Treatment is generally rest with hand-walking, though some veterinarians choose to promote fibrosis of the sacroiliac joint through the injection of into the ligaments and joint. The application of topical lotions may ease the symptoms of some individuals and chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy and a controlled exercise program that focuses on strengthening the muscles as well as stretching the back muscles will help to stabilize the sacroiliac joint and increase the range of motion of the back, loins and croup. NSAIDS & joint injections can be administered for supportive care. Prognosis for horses affected by sacroiliac subluxation is fair, though return to high intensity of athletic performance may not be possible as of the SI joint ligaments is very common. The development of DJD in the joint is highly likely due to the chronic irritation of structures of chronic sufferers.
Hip Dislocation Dislocation of the hip in horses is extremely rare due to the structure & location of the joint, the ligament and the surrounding musculature.
It is caused by extreme or unusual trauma to the joint such as a fall or hind limbs. It is more common for the femur to fracture vs. the hip dislocating.
of the
The extreme force on the hip joint causes the round ligament to sprain and potentially completely rupture. The round ligament attaches the head of the femur to the acetabulum. Other ligaments of the hip may also be affected.
Hip luxation is more common in a young horse vs. mature horse simply due to the fact that they have less muscle mass to support the joint.
Clinical signs and symptoms include sudden and severe lameness with swelling over the hip joint. Typically, the affected limb is pulled upward and forward due to the pull of the middle gluteal on the trochanter and therefore appears than the opposite limb. The leg may externally rotate, and the fetlock may buckle over with weight resting on the dorsal hoof. Weight- bearing may be affected in severe cases. Muscle spasms of muscles crossing the hip joint may occur.
Diagnosis is case history, signs & symptoms and palpation. X-rays are not useful due to the bulk of muscle surrounding.
Treatment is usually unsuccessful. Surgery maybe attempted in younger horses to relocate the femur but risk for DJD and re-dislocation is high. Often euthanasia is recommended.
Prognosis is grave for athletic performance. Horses may be
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