Stifle Problems
Question:
> I came across your name while trying to do some research regarding stifle
> problems in gaited horses.  I have a 14 year old foxtrotter that has been
> experiencing stifle problems for about the last three - four months.  We have
> been treating him with MSM and glucosimine and continuing to exercise him
> lightly to keep the leg strengthened.  However, he is showing relatively
> little improvement.  Now I am wondering if it might be some kind of shoeing
> problem.  Any thoughts or experiences along this line?  We have had him to
> the vet a couple of times, but we have opted not to do surgery.
>  L B
>  Amarillo, TX

Answer:
Question? How are you exercising him? The  are saying that the best exercise is being led/ponied up and down slight inclines at a walk for 20-30 min per day. The next best is walking over poles in an arena for the same times.
I have found, over the years, that if the angle of the rear hooves is raised substantially this allows for less stress on the stifle ligaments and allows healing to take place. I raise them with wedge shoes or pads to about 65 degrees. While they are this high exercise him IN HAND only. Aprox 1 hour per day, this can be broken up into 2-4 sessions per day. No riding or turn out! After the wedge is on for 4-6 weeks and you see improvement, Drop him down by half as much. If his natural angle is 53 deg, drop him to 60 deg, for a month and then down to about 2 degrees higher than natural. You might have to keep it at that angle to allow easier breakover. You can start light riding after you get the angle back down.
Bob

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