re:stringhalt (fairly long)

[dave & abby bloxsom <cyclone@snet.net>]

> Can you tell me what is stringhalt??
> 
> Thanks
> Cathy


The <Illustrated Veterinary Encyclopedia for Horsemen> (c) 1977 says:

"Stringhalt or springhalt is an involuntary, greater-than-normal flexion
of the hock while the horse is in motion and may affect one or both
hindlimbs."
AND
"The true cause is unknown, but the condition is associated with nervous
disorders, degeneration of the sciatic and peroneal nerves which supply
the muscles of this area, and affectations of the spinal cord.  At any
rate, the condition is considered to involve some pathology of the
lateral digital extensor muscle."
AND
"Stringhalt is apparently not painful and does not cause lameness in the
usual sense."
AND
"Although regarded as a gross unsoundness, stringhalt may not materially
hinder the horse's capacity for work, except in severe cases where the
constant concussion gives rise to complications."

. . .  it also says there's a surgical treatment involving the tendon of
the affected muscle . . . 

Anybody have anything more current?  I'm asked this question often, and
never feel confident about the implications for any horse.

Abby B
and no horses with stringhalt