The Equinist: Articles and Commentary by Susan Kauffmann

While there are any number of ailments and injuries that can cause a horse to “go off” behind, some neurological and mechanical problems create specific abnormalities of movement you can learn to distinguish – if you know what to look for. The following guide will help you recognize the abnormalities caused by three ailments often mistaken for one another: upward fixation of the patella (UFP), shivers, and stringhalt. I’ve even included video links so that you can check out the differences for yourself! UPWARD FIXATION OF THE PATELLA Incidence: Fairly common Etiology: Mechanical, possibly linked to conformation in some cases Breeds affected: Any What it is: When in a standing position, the horse has the ability to temporarily “lock” or fixate its stifle joints, allowing the horse to stand and even sleep standing up with minimal muscular exertion.   The joint locks when the patella (knee cap) slides into the upward position, and the medial patella...

In this new series, readers can write to me with their horse-related questions, and I will do my darndest to provide a solid answer, either from my own lifetime of experience or research I have conducted for veterinary-reviewed articles. If I don't have an answer, I will utilize my world-wide network of expert contacts to try to get one for you. To contact me, click on the link that says "THE EQUINIST" under where it says "About Me" on the lower left side of the main page, and you will find another link that says "email me". Question: My horse seems to be short striding on his left hind, and he has worn that toe down more than the other one (he is not shod behind). I thought he must be sore on that foot or leg, but now he doesn't want to pick up his right lead canter, so I'm confused. Should I give him some time off and see if this goes away, or do I need to get the vet out? Does the worn toe mean it's a foot problem? - Lisa R., TN Answer:...

IN A FIX: Causes and Treatment of Upward Fixation of the Patella If you’ve ever seen a horse with a severe case of upward fixation of the patella (UFP) or “locking stifle”, you know it’s a condition that is impossible to miss. The horse is periodically or permanently unable to flex the affected hind leg(s), which will then stick out and drag behind the horse in an obviously abnormal manner. However, in horses with the far more common but less severe forms of this condition, symptoms can be so subtle that they are often misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether. Partial or intermittent upward fixation of the patella, sometimes called “catching stifle”, can manifest as a mild to moderate hind limb lameness that may mysteriously come and go. Fortunately, both severe and mild cases of UFP usually respond well to treatment, and new developments are making it easier to treat even the most extreme cases. UNDERSTANDING UFP When in a standing position, all horses have the ability to temp...