Does your horse have weak stifles?
Stifle dysfunction can show itself as:
Shortened stride
Toe dragging
Drifting
Difficulty backing up
Reluctance to work
Rough canter
A sore back or croup
Common causes of stifle injuries or dysfunction include repetitive stress, trauma, excessive use, quick changes in direction, rapid deceleration, and muscular imbalances.
Stifle dysfunction is frequently seen in performance horses such as barrel racers, cutting horses, event horses, harness racing, and upper-level dressage horses.
One such condition is known as “intermittent upward fixation of the patella”. This condition is often seen in young horses and may colloquially be referred to as “sticky stifles”. Naturally, the stifle has a locking mechanism which allows the horse to stand while sleeping. In a horse with “sticky stifles”, the leg is being kept in a locked or extended position due to the surrounding soft tissue (muscular) structures.
If your horse suffers from stifle dysfunction chiropractic care can help!
