Where is a horses stifle located?

How many joints are in the equine stifle?

The equine stifle consists of two joints: (1) the femoropatellar and (2) femorotibial.

What bones make up the stifle?

The bones that make up the stifle are the femur (thigh), tibia (shin) and patella (kneecap). The stifle lifts the leg upward and forward, making it critical to moving and athletic pursuits. The stifle has two joints, the femoropatellar joint (connects the kneecap) and the femororbital joint (connecting the bones).

What does the stifle do on a horse?

The stifle is located at the upper hind limb of the horse and is the largest joint in the horse’s body. It provides support, flexion, and extension. The stifle is also an element of the stay apparatus, which allows horses to maintain a weight-bearing, for extended periods while relaxing the other hind limb.

What are the two joints of the equine stifle?

The equine stifle consists of two joints: (1) the femoropatellar and (2) femorotibial. The horse lacks gastrocnemius and popliteal sesamoid bones as found in dogs and cats. The femoral trochlea contains two large ridges separated by a deep groove.

What are the diseases of the stifle in horses?

Stifle joint disorders. 1 Osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is a disease of the stifle that is more common in younger horses, and it is found across many breeds. 2 Subchondral bone cyst. … 3 Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. … 4 Patellar fractures. … 5 Soft tissue injuries.

What are the bones in a horse’s forelimb?

Each forelimb of the horse runs from the scapula (shoulder blade) to the navicular bone (bone in the hoof). The bones and joints in between include: Humerus (arm) Radius (forearm) Ulna. Elbow joint. Carpus (knee) bone and joint. Large metacarpal (cannon)

What does it mean when a horse locks his stifle?

If your horse is not lame but just locks his stifle, he is getting his patella (knee cap) caught. These horses will get their leg stuck out behind them and will be unable to flex (bend) the leg. Having the horse back up slowly or manipulating the patella will normally allow the patella to release.

Why does my horse’s stifle keep falling off?

In these cases, the growth of your horse’s bones may slightly exceed his muscular growth. This can change the angles of his joints, and even small variations could affect the smooth functioning of the stifle. It is also common in horses in poor condition, or those that have dropped off suddenly.

What is the stifle in a horse?

Interior Anatomy of the Stifle Joint The stifle or genual joint of horses is divided into two inconsistently communicating cavities. Cranially the femoropatellar joint is formed by the patella and femoral trochlea; caudally the femorotibial joint is composed of the femoral and tibial condyles (Figure 13-8).

Is the elbow a synovial joint in a horse?

The elbow is a typical synovial joint. Stifle Joint – The stifle is the equivalent of the human knee and it is the largest, most complex joint in the horse. The bones that make up the stifle are the femur (thigh), tibia (shin) and patella (kneecap).

What are the most common diseases in horses?

1 Osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is a disease of the stifle that is more common in younger horses, and it is found across many breeds. 2 Subchondral bone cyst. … 3 Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. … 4 Patellar fractures. … 5 Soft tissue injuries.

What causes stifle injuries in horses?

There are several possible causes of stifle injuries. They may be the result of direct trauma or as a result of stress to the joint area from activities that involve quick directional changes, slowing down quickly and repeated jumping (as in activities like roping, cutting and barrel racing).

What kind of joint problems do horses have?

Stifle joint disorders. Osteochondrosis is a disease of the stifle that is more common in younger horses, and it is found across many breeds. The condition can lead to joint effusion and lameness in horses at the age they start training. Osteochondrosis is a failure of the cartilage to develop into bone in the limbs of a growing animal.

What are the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the stifle in horses?

Symptoms of Osteochondrosis of the Stifle in Horses. The lameness caused by the swelling around and in the joint usually isn’t noted when the horse is walking but, rather, will be exacerbated when the gait speeds are increased or when the equine is put through work routines.

What is the forelimb of a horse called?

Each forelimb of the horse runs from the scapula (shoulder blade) to the navicular bone (bone in the hoof). The bones and joints in between include:

What are the basic bones of the forelimb?

Basic Forelimb Terms. It is made up of rows of smaller bones the radial, intermediate, ulnar, accessory bones in the upper (proximal) row and the first, second, third, and fourth in the lower (distal) row. It also includes the very lowest parts of the radius and fused ulna, and the very top parts of the cannon and splint bones.

What does it mean when a horse is lame in one leg?

Horses with stifle problems are going to be lame in the hind end. The lameness can be on one or both sides, depending on if one or both stifles are affected. Usually the stifle joint will be swollen and possibly painful but not always. If the problems have been going on for a period of time in one leg, the other leg may develop problems

What happens when a horse brings his hind legs under himself?

When the horse brings his hind leg back underneath himself, the patella slips back up over the medial trochlea.

Why is my horse’s stifle locking up?

It is also common in horses in poor condition, or those that have dropped off suddenly. When muscle tone is lost, the ligament around the stifle slackens, leaving it more prone to catching on the femur bone and ‘locking’.

Why is my horse stiff to one side?

Some horses are particularly stiff to one side. This might be influenced by a natural cause (born that way), or from previous incorrect riding. In either case, much attention needs to be given to at least straightening the horse (even if it is too difficult to get a true bend) while he is moving.