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Discussion on New procedure for stifle lock?
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New Member:
Jeans
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 10, 2005 - 11:46 am:
Hi--I posted a couple years ago and have tried what the vets have suggested (exercise, up and down hills), to no avail). My 5 yr. old mare still has a mild case of stifle lock. I even took her to a trainer who lived in a very hilly region, actually almost mountainous, for a month and he gradually increased her workout up and down hills, but it didn't help. At this point, I am afraid of arthritis setting in, and am willing to try something medical. A couple of months ago, I read an article in "Equus" magazine which talked about a new procedure, where they go into the ligament with a needle and kind of "scratch" the ligament which causes it to bulk up a little, for lack of better words. I believe it was AAEP approved or tested or something...(Sorry-my memory's not that great.) Anyway, just wondering if you've heard of it, and if so, what you think of it, and the pros and cons of doing that versus blistering which is what my vet wants to do, with almond oil and iodine. I do think there is a vet in my area who has done the "scratching" technique but I haven't talked to him. Also, do you think if we fix the sticky leg that the chances are good of it showing up in the other? Just kind of wondering what the chances are.
Thank you very much Dr. O!
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Member:
Sswiley
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 11, 2005 - 9:09 am:
Jeans,
I had a horse with a mild case of stifle lock many years ago. He was one of those light bodied TBs. Hills did not work either. My vet gave him a one time shot of steroid. The steroid lasted a few weeks in his body, and made him act a little more "affectionate" . . .  . But it helped him build enough muscle to eliminate the stifle lock for good. I sold him a few years later and the new owner said it never returned even with a couple months of layoff for another injury. . Its quick, low risk (you just can't show her while its in her system) and a cheap solution to at least try.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 11, 2005 - 9:44 am:
Welcome Jean,
The procedure is a modification of the procedure described in the article where the tendon has a linear splitting (not transected" with a number 12 or 15 blade. The question I guess is, "how small an irritation will produce a result?" You could start with the smallest insult and build up if the first doesn't work. The article also discusses the incidence of it becoming unilateral.
DrO
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New Member:
Jeans
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 11, 2005 - 6:24 pm:
Thanks for your input-
Jeans
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