Stifle Injuries Could Spell Trouble for Western Horses

Injuries to the stifle often require arthroscopy—the insertion of an endoscope through a small incision—to diagnose and treat an injury or disease. Although a useful adjunct to radiographs and ultrasonography in many instances, arthroscopy can sometimes be debilitating to Western performance horses, according to a research study that followed 82 horses for at least two years after stifle surgery.

“Due to the nature of their profession, Western performance horses commonly develop stifle injuries due, at least in part, to the sudden turns, stops, and crouching of the hind limbs. These injuries tend to be complex, involving bone, cartilage, and soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research nutrition advisor.

Return to athleticism is generally the goal following surgery; however, the most recent data show that for many Western performance horses, this goal may be difficult to achieve. In this study, for example, less than half of all Western performance horses returned to their intended use following stifle arthroscopy.

Factors contributing to this poor outcome include age of horse (older horses were less likely to return to soundness); longer duration of lameness; and presence of cartilage damage.

“All athletic horses experience some degree of joint trauma during training and competition. Not all injuries can be avoided, but severity of damage to the delicate layer of articular cartilage can be minimized with high-quality joint supplements,” Whitehouse advised.

Many horsemen choose to be proactive about joint health, beginning the use of a quality joint supplement before a problem comes about, sometimes as early as breaking and early training. Prophylactic use of joint supplements, such as those offered by Kentucky Equine Research, can protect joints and minimize joint damage. Look for these research-proven products: KER-Flex (Glucos-A-Flex in Australia), Synovate HA, and EO-3.

Need help choosing the best supplement for your horse’s specific needs? Contact a Kentucky Equine Research nutrition consultant.

*McCoy, A.M., R.L. Smith, S. Herrera, et al. 2019. Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010). Veterinary Surgery 48(6):956-965.