stifle problems

[SeAnIk]

I am almost 100% sure Nik's stifle is bothering him. Unlike himself, today he was bucking like mad whenever I asked him for the canter or a lead change and he bucked me off over a small crossrail today. This is just so unlike him, so I know something is hurting him. When I put him away, I ran my hand lightly over his stifle and he flinched and started shaking in that area.
So my question is what do I do? What does a vet do to help this and is it costly?

[Salinero]

Is he lame or unsound? I would get a vet out. It could be that he has pulled a muscle or ligament. Your vet will probably do flexion tests and depending on the severity of the injury prescribe anti inflammatories and painkillers, along with some rest.

Hope its not too serious. Keep us updated.

[tarrynac]

Hi


I'm not an expert but I feel if he was sore in the stifle, bucking is a very unlikely option. Maybe his back or his loin areas. If money is really tight get a physio or sport massage tharapist to give him a once over. If he is not lame it will be difficult to identify where the problem is as a vet will need a horse to be lame to nerve block and identify the source.

Good luck,hope he's right soon.

Tarryn

[~*Spessy Messy*~]

Get a physio out! They're not that expensive (+_R300) and really make a difference!

[SeAnIk]

well, I went out today and lounged him so I could take a look (since I was riding him yesterday, I couldn't get a good look at him). I noticed that he was hesitant to canter again and when he did canter, it was like he was trying to keep his right hind straight. He didn't want to bend at his hock at all, so it may possibly be his hock?...

[~*Spessy Messy*~]

It could be, but everything in a horse is inter connected. An old stifle injury can cause a horse to be stiff in his neck and not work round, etc. My advice would be to get a physio/chiro out. Better safe than sorry