Connie Ballard
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Two years ago, we traded our last mare for a beautiful B gelding that is 36" tall. He was coming 3 then and when first got him I noticed a catch in his left hind leg, asked about it and was told he never had problems, must have been the trailer ride (about 200 miles). It worried me, but once he'd trot for bit, he'd smooth out some. I turned him out for winter with another horse and the two of them played like two little kids all winter.
Late winter, started working him, taking him for walks after working...you'd even hear a 3 beat of his feet...then a little drag noise of the one hind leg. I'd try to walk, watch and see for sure what he was doing.
I consulted with several supplement suppiers at Equine Affaire, opted for a joint supplement from Urkle after explaining all this to them....trying to supplement the fluid in the joint and keep any inflamation done. My vet really ticked me off...asked him about it...he didnt even look or touch the horse...just said "Upward fixation of the patella"...easy to fix, standing surgery, snip the ligament, but said give him another year before you do anything...be five in 2011.
This spring, started training him to drive. If he's stalled, it is a very noticeable, so I stall him where he can come/go 24/7 all year with a nice drylot to move around. He's driving fine, not willing to back more than one step and its not a pretty back. When I ask him to back, he first puts his right front foot...over his left front foot and shifts his weight to give a nudge back.
This horse is a treasure...he's beautiful and so talented, gorgeous headset, neck...phenominal personality...I just love him. (so if anyone thinks I should have sent him back...I couldnt...just fell in love with him).
He is one of the most incredible liberty horses that I have ever seen...gave me cold chills and just left me standing in the arena at the Hoosier Horse Park 2 weeks ago with my jaw dropped. AHHHHHHHHH amazing....didnt see a single hitch as he floated around that big arena trotting level with an extremely long stride, neck up like a giraffe, head tucked in a gorgeous headset and tail lifted blowing in the wind...it was so cool....I thought OH MY GOSH...that is my horse!!!
SOOOOOOOOO long story...I know, I am sorry. But my question is...if anyone has had this standing surgery done for upward fixation of the patella...what have you seen or experienced with your horse after the surgery? Problems? Concerns? Regrets? I've been researching it like crazy online and see where can develop arthritis and become permanently lame.
I'd appreciate any input you can give me. I'm going to take him to Ohio State Vet Clinic for evaluation.
Thanks!
Connie and Dylan
Late winter, started working him, taking him for walks after working...you'd even hear a 3 beat of his feet...then a little drag noise of the one hind leg. I'd try to walk, watch and see for sure what he was doing.
I consulted with several supplement suppiers at Equine Affaire, opted for a joint supplement from Urkle after explaining all this to them....trying to supplement the fluid in the joint and keep any inflamation done. My vet really ticked me off...asked him about it...he didnt even look or touch the horse...just said "Upward fixation of the patella"...easy to fix, standing surgery, snip the ligament, but said give him another year before you do anything...be five in 2011.
This spring, started training him to drive. If he's stalled, it is a very noticeable, so I stall him where he can come/go 24/7 all year with a nice drylot to move around. He's driving fine, not willing to back more than one step and its not a pretty back. When I ask him to back, he first puts his right front foot...over his left front foot and shifts his weight to give a nudge back.
This horse is a treasure...he's beautiful and so talented, gorgeous headset, neck...phenominal personality...I just love him. (so if anyone thinks I should have sent him back...I couldnt...just fell in love with him).
He is one of the most incredible liberty horses that I have ever seen...gave me cold chills and just left me standing in the arena at the Hoosier Horse Park 2 weeks ago with my jaw dropped. AHHHHHHHHH amazing....didnt see a single hitch as he floated around that big arena trotting level with an extremely long stride, neck up like a giraffe, head tucked in a gorgeous headset and tail lifted blowing in the wind...it was so cool....I thought OH MY GOSH...that is my horse!!!
SOOOOOOOOO long story...I know, I am sorry. But my question is...if anyone has had this standing surgery done for upward fixation of the patella...what have you seen or experienced with your horse after the surgery? Problems? Concerns? Regrets? I've been researching it like crazy online and see where can develop arthritis and become permanently lame.
I'd appreciate any input you can give me. I'm going to take him to Ohio State Vet Clinic for evaluation.
Thanks!
Connie and Dylan
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