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Injured horse2007-11-24 21:17:47

We think my 7 yr old Thoroughbred slipped in the mud the other day and he's been limping off his back left leg. It's really swollen (lots of fluid) and everytime he steps it pops really weird. Everday he's been walking better and better. Yesterday I could barely notice the limp anymore and he even bucked and trotted a few steps out in the pasture. Problem is, it still pops. I'm talking BAD. You can put your hand on it and make him walk and it just makes you want to throw up. I am taking him to the vet but we couldn't get in for a few days since he seems to be recovering and it's not an emergency. Anyone know what this could be? I just don't want it to be so serious that he has to be put down or have an expensive surgery. He is the sweetest, bravest horse you will ever meet and it would break my heart. Thanks!

Answers:

The stifle is made up of two joints. Structural stability is also provided through ligaments in this joint. The inside and outside of the stifle has specific ligaments that keep the leg from bending excessively in either direction. These ligaments are referred to as collaterals and can be either torn or damaged if a horse slips or falls-- So maybe him slipping in the mud caused this?

A thin capsule surrounds the entire stifle joint (containing the patella ligaments) that has a specialized fluid to help with shock absorption and lubrication. It's possible that somehow the capsule burst-- thats why there is a lot of fluid-- or the patella ligaments tore, which would also cause swelling OR he has a bowed tendon-- But my best guess would be that his collaterals got torn (as mentioned above.) You should keep him on stall rest until the vet gets there-- If you have used bute before on him and know he can take it then i'd start him on a gram of bute-- make sure you take him off of it before the vet gets there though so his examination can be 100% accurate.