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  Discussion on Stifle joint problem? lifts as if to cow kick, both back legs affected
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New Member:
hearth

Posted on Saturday, Oct 10, 2009 - 10:16 pm:

I recently purchased a reasonably experienced pack horse thru a handler, not the owner, have yet to get age and any history though he seems to be about ten, maybe 12 yrs without a dental check. He is in good condition, not overweight but strong, well muscled and conditioned. He carried a pack saddle about 160 lbs at the start for two rides, one 140 kms and one 160 kms. He has a nice walk and trot, have not had him in canter nor rode him, I am told he will buck in tight circles so assume there is resistance. He goes forward well and climbs and descends steep hills in full pack without my noticing resistance nor expression of discomfort. I used a breast collar and britching due to steep hills. His back seems to be fine, he does not respond negatively to back massage. He has a behavior that looks as if his muscles or tendons/ligaments lock and he is stretching them loose, he acts as if he is about to cow kick on either back leg, then sets the foot back to the ground. He does not seem to be hitching or acting without control when he does this but as a conscious deliberate action. When I pack him he shakes the bejay out of the boxes before the top pack goes on and they better be balanced. When the diamond is tied he leans way back and down and stretches his front end and legs, I believe to ensure there is no pinching of the cinches. These are conscious deliberate actions and I think he is consciously doing what he does with his hind legs. He walks at times with a wide stance on the back legs tho not terribly noticeable. I paid $500 for him so obviously he is not worth spending the cash one might on a major performance horse or good breeding stock. Are there exercises, diet, other options that I can try to help him? Are there any videos that I might compare his behavior to that might help me determine his problem and research what I can expect over the long term for this horse? He is on rest and recoup and will not be used except for a ride now and then thru the winter.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 - 10:32 am:

Welcome Alex,
What you describe is spot-on for the condition known as Shivers for more see Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb » Shivers. However atypical Stringhalt and PSSM are possible. For more on these follow the links in the Shivers article under Diagnosis. If PSSM cannot be ruled out considering the dietary changes for the disease explained in the article may help.
DrO
New Member:
hearth

Posted on Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 - 1:55 pm:

I have not noticed any of the other symptoms of shivers as described in the article, i.e., involuntary action of the muscles and tail, or trembling in large muscles, only the lifting and stretching of the legs as if in a controlled decision to stretch, but this is definitely not a regular action witnessed in the average horse population. I am a bit apprehensive as the prognosis with shivers is not positive at all. Thanks for your rapid response to my enquiry. I will read more and take time to just watch him. The weather here has turned cold. He does not seem to be making the action as often and I wonder if that is due to the fact that he has less excursive right now and possibly cooler temperatures. He did not present the behavior until I off loaded him from trip home when I purchased him.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Oct 12, 2009 - 8:54 am:

Alex, the best step is a lameness and neurological evaluation. Given the goals in your post the course of action you outline is very reasonable. You should check with the previous owners as how long it has been going on as it might have some diagnostic/prognostic value.

Next time the vet is out, if a standard SMA-16 (blood chemistries) is in the budget it can help rule out some real odd balls (electrolyte imbalances leading to weakness or incoordination) and might help with the diagnosis of muscle diseases. If it comes back normal peripheral neurological disease or possibly pain (but from what) goes to the top of the list. But you will still have a list.
DrO
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