Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Cruciate Ligament Injury
Summary
The cruciate ligaments are important, crossing ligaments between the femur and tibia within the stifle. They keep the bones from moving front to back with respect to one another. In many cases, injuries that cause cruciate ligament tears or strains also injure other structures in the stifle.
Stifle cruciate ligament injuries are relatively rare in horses. They usually cause very severe lameness visible at the walk, sometimes with little sign of swelling in the limb. The diagnosis is sometimes surprisingly difficult.
Generally, cruciate ligament injuries cause severe osteoarthritis of the stifle, and a poor prognosis for return to athletic function.
Arthroscopic exploration of the joint may be required to definitively diagnose this condition.
Stifle cruciate ligament injuries are relatively rare in horses. They usually cause very severe lameness visible at the walk, sometimes with little sign of swelling in the limb. The diagnosis is sometimes surprisingly difficult.
Generally, cruciate ligament injuries cause severe osteoarthritis of the stifle, and a poor prognosis for return to athletic function.
Arthroscopic exploration of the joint may be required to definitively diagnose this condition.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Poor. However, some partial tears can be managed with arthroscopic trimming of the ligament, change in training and expectation.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Less Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- How confident are you in this diagnosis, as opposed to others?
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health