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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb » Stifle Lameness » Stifle Lock: Upward Fixation of the Patella »
  Discussion on Stifle lock getting worse
Author Message
New Member:
appythor

Posted on Monday, Aug 18, 2008 - 1:18 am:

My 17-year old Appy has had mild stifle lock for a number of years, usually only when trail riding and going through mud, but this year even when walking through a soft field he will lock up so badly I have to dismount and walk him out of it. Also just going in and out of his stall is hard for him, he has to put his toe down and sort of hop to get over the threshold. He gets turned out in a nice hilly pasture and is otherwise in good weight and condition.He trots and canters without any lameness, the problem is all at the walk. I try to back him from the ground every day to strengthen him. Other years he got better as we rode more, but this year it is the opposite. I would like to investigate the Medial Patellar Ligament Splitting for him, as he seems pretty distressed, as am I. I live in Massachusetts and wonder if you might know anyone in this area who does this procedure?
Thanks - Ruth S.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008 - 10:30 am:

Hello Ruth,
This is not a complicated procedure but best done under general anesthesia so look for an equine hospital with anesthesia facilities.
DrO
New Member:
appythor

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008 - 8:42 pm:

Thanks, DrO. I have made an appointment at a large animal hospital that does this surgery and I'm hoping this will help. I am guessing that his condition is moderate to severe, so I think this is the way to go. I'll post results later on to let folks know how well this really works.

Ruth
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 - 8:11 am:

Thanks Ruth, we do not have enough reporting on this procedure.
DrO
New Member:
8317

Posted on Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 - 2:22 pm:

I would be happy to report our experience with this procedure. My wife's horse,a 11 year old spotted saddle horse, had been experiencing occasional locking for several years. Last summer the condition seemed to be worsening so we decided to have him evaluated for this procedure and any other alternatives. We were told that there was a chance the procedure would have to be repeated and that recurrence usually happened within six months. That was in November of 2007. Since that time we have seen no signs of ufp. Our vet performed the procedure standing.He felt he achieved better results and less chance of problems than with a general anesthesia. The horse had no swelling,no lameness,a few days stall rest,a few days hand walking,then back to normal exercise. He performed the procedure with a large gauge needle rather than a scalpel. Before the procedure he took digital x-rays of his hocks just to help rule out any other possible problems.He also injects the tendon sheath with an antibiotic and hyaluronic acid before the operation. We are extremely pleased with the results and the cost was really quite reasonable. Less than $800 including a nights board. Larry L.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Aug 22, 2008 - 9:46 pm:

Hello Larry,
Thank you for the information. I have not heard of a needle puncture procedure. When I return to the office I will see if I can find a description of this.
DrO
New Member:
appythor

Posted on Friday, Aug 22, 2008 - 10:34 pm:

Thanks for your post, Larry. I met with the vet today who has a surgical practice and the needle procedure is the one he recommends as well. We are scheduled for Sept 9th. I'll report back results.

Ruth
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Aug 24, 2008 - 8:19 am:

I have looked for a description and a case study of this procedure and can find nothing. It would be more simple compared with trying to split the tendon with a scalpel blade. As noted above, if effective, it would be a improvement for the ability to do this procedure standing as was done in the older desmotomy procedure.

I would be interested in the gauge of the needle and placement(s) during the procedure.
DrO
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Aug 25, 2008 - 4:37 pm:

Ruth's veterinarian was kind enough to provide the reference for the above procedure and we have included a description of this in the article. We have updated our recommendation for a treatment plan accordingly. Thank you Ruth for this information and we will provide you with a free quarter of membership for the service.
DrO
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