Re: RC: upward fixation of the patellas

["Tamara Habberley" <tamarahabberley@hotmail.com>]

My horse had this condition.

It did not improve with exersise despite being schooled every day and he 
ended up slipping in his stable whilst his legs were locked and injuring his 
shoulder so I had him operated on with 100% success.

I beilive the op is now frownded upon as it may contribute to athritis at a 
later date.

I know some one else whose horse has the same condtion but it improved with 
exercise for her. Some youngstock out grow the conditionas the mature.

I would sugest that the best bet would be to warn the purchaser, advise them 
to give the horse time to develop and begin ridden exercise. If it doesnt 
improve only then should they consider the op.

Good luck.

Tamara

P.s. I admire the fact that you ahve been open about the condition. Many 
people are not. My horse passed his vetting and I only 'discovered ' the 
condition soem days after purchase. it scared hell out of me as I thought he 
had broke his leg!
>From: "MTJ" <fleabit@jps.net>
>To: <RideCamp@endurance.net>
>Subject: RC:  upward fixation of the patellas
>Date: Fri, 31 Dec 1999 15:53:43 -0700
>
>Dear Ridecampers,
>I have a 3 year old arab gelding recently diagnosed with upward fixation of 
>the patellas (a stifle problem).  The recommendation is to keep him on 
>hilly pasture and frequently (3 or more times per week) exercise him on 
>trails with hills to build-up his hindend (of course, within the 
>limitations of a young horse).  Endurance is supposed to be a good 
>performance option.  If anyone has experience with this problem, I would 
>greatly appreciate feedback on your results with training.  My current 
>understanding is that the surgery to cut the ligament is not recommended 
>unless exercise does not relieve the problem.  In particular, I am 
>interested in information about what happens during "lay off" periods 
>(e.g., when the horse isn't getting regular exercise).
>
>I am looking for a new home for this horse (you can view his ad on 
>endurance net classifieds) because of time constraints (job, other horse) 
>that make keeping him impractical.  He's a real sweetie and deserves to 
>find a very good home.  Any information to give to a potential new owner 
>would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
>
>Happy holidays!
>
>Michele
>Northern California
>fleabit@jps.net

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