Posted by Ron West on September 13, 2003 at 12:17:51:
In Reply to: Re: Hind foot problem after a stifle injury. posted by Meg Oliver on September 13, 2003 at 10:46:53:
: : I am working on a horse that has recovered from a stifle injury, I think it was a pulled tendon. Anyways it has been about a year since this horse had the injury and the owner and Vet let it heel with rest and no shoes for 6 months. I noticed that the horse will rest that leg with the inside of the toe resting on the ground at a funny angle, also when she moves she lands inside toe first and there is tissue build up above the correnet that almost looks and feels calsified. I am thinking about wedgeing this foot to try and get a heel first landing and see what happens. My thoughts are that if she keeps landing toe first more there will be more damage to her lower joints and distortion to her hoof. Has anyone run into this and what are your thoughts. She is not lame, however she does pull that leg away alot while I am shoeing her, probably stiff or sore in the stifle. She is riden alot on trails, every weekend and at least 1 hour 3 times a week. Her age is about 21.
: : Phil
: Phil,
: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If the horse is not lame, do not change things. I learned that one the hard way once, years ago.Do, however learn from how the horse adapts.Nature is the best teacher. Don't expect her to be normal on that leg....she isn't. Just my thoughts.
: Meg Oliver
I'm with Meg on this one, The horses age suggests that something else will put an end to her serviceability before this problem. she probably holds the leg strangely to get away from some scar or inflammitory tissue that's present it's not too likely that a wedge or something on the bottom of the foot will change the way she swings the leg, but it probably won't hurt either. If she's difficult about letting you hold the leg you could try holding the leg from the inside "Euro" style (if she's real gentle) that will put less stress on her stifle and hip.
Ron West
Westcliffe Colorado