She started having sticky stifles when she was 21/2 years old, just occasionally, but, apart from a brief gap, when I broke her in during March 2012, she has got steadily worse. It got to the point where she was sticking fully on rear extension and kicking herself in the belly on every stride when walking as the ligament suddenly 'un-hooked' from the trocheal ridge. She would semi-collapse on both sides at standstill as the ligament hooked and un-hooked. Riding was out of the question, even walking in hand was dangerous as she would kick out behind to unlock it.
The vet only gives her a 40% chance of success as her condition is so bad, but a chance is a chance as she is a lovely person and so quiet to ride.
Fred is a Standardbred and a Saint.
She now has to have walking in hand for 2 hours/day for 2 days then walking and trotting for 2 hours to try to inflame the ligament to cause scar tissue which should shorten the ligament and prevent it from the delayed release.
This morning I took her for a 2 mile walk and she was much better with only a couple of minor sticks and no kicking out. It is early days though.
I will update this page as she progresses.
Hi, Maureen! I'm posting a link to your blog on my blog: http://zephyrhillfarm.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHopefully you'll get some encouragement from the many people who have read about Brandy's surgery. Brandy and I send our best wishes for a wonderful recovery to Fred and you!