Stifle Injuries

[AlbertaSaddler]

I have a yearling who has a stifle injury. We aren't sure what exactly is injured yet as the vet only stopped by for a few minutes to give him a quick look over. It's my dad's vet who checked him, I have to call my vet (South African who vet trained on Saddlebred farms!) to come out and give a diagnosis. I'm very worried it's going to be one of those stifle injuries that will hinder him from ever being a show horse. His dam has a torn cruciate ligament which ended her show career before she ever made it in the ring. Fortunatly I could breed her, but can't breed my yearling.

I'm just wondering everyone's thoughts and expierences with stifle injuries. I really hope it's nothing to bad, but he's been dealing with this over a month, and all the non-invasive procedures have done nothing to help. I was so hoping he'd finally be my parade horse!

[D_BaldStockings]

I have no answers for you, my only experience being with locking stifles, but here are several sites that may help you ask and understand what may be going on and how/why the vet will choose a certain treatment.
Young horses are amazing in their ability to heal -hope for the best.

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/Veterinary+Equine/Inside-the-equine-stifle/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/338632

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horse-health/2006/February/27/Lameness-may-hinge-on-the-stifle.aspx

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9177


a discussion on COTH -many horses involved in strenuous sport there, hopefully some have wider experience.
http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=146084

Everyone says you now have a long term program for healing, good luck wishes to the gelding.