I was contacted by my customer the other day with "Dr kati may be contacting u about one of our mares that may need some custom shoeing. She has developed upper fixation of the patella. So her stifle sticks. " I've been a farrier for 7 years now and I'm just coming across this for the first time. Online i have read that you can rock the toe and/or drill and tap a stud into the outside heel. (The drill and tap method didnt work for the horse i read about) any suggestions? I have no idea how to work this and the vet hasn't contacted me.
Cptlhorseshoeing, i d wait out the vet and his/her script before i went guessing at shoeing options, presuming that the vet has seen the problem, an answer may already have been arrived at, and or a discussion with you might be educational to you and the vet. regards ray
Thanks Ray, once i hear from the vet I'll know more. I guess i was asking if anyone else has encountered this and what their "fix" is. Just more ideas on the table. When i do shoe this I'll take pictures for everyone.
interesting, i d very much like to know how it works out, were you given any of the thought process put into the script? thanks for getting back ray
I also am interested in the logic behind this prescription, and the results. Don't leave us hanging, Cptlhorseshoeing. Keep us posted. Thanks in advance. Regards
Here's how she described it to me, Upper fixation of the patella occurs during extension, so theoretically moving the break over point further back would "force" the leg to move before a full extension. The wedge provides further support to the outer hoof wall and aids in the tendon movement. Here is an article that discusses the issue with other corrections. http://www.atlantaequine.com/pages/client_lib_UpPatellerFix.html
I ll look forward to reading your description of the situation and outcome of how you handled it. thanks for the Atlanta equine reference and post. Ray
Not really no, this lady is a Friesian breeder so her horses just have some big feet. Vet called me last night and asked me to hold of on the pad and just try the shoe first.
Here's the shoes as promised. Very was there, asked me for a small rock in the shoe. The shoe is a St Croix 3 lite After application we had a few drinks and have her move at a walk/trot on the long walks of the arena. Looks great, proper break over, no muscle sticking, just fluid motion. I'd say it worked.
Guess I'd always considered this a conditioning or veterinary problem. Get them in shape and if that doesn't work, resort to cutting the medial ligament. Let us know how the shoeing works.
I have to agree there Jack. Conditioning I'd on the owner/trainer. Horse was fine until she became fixated. Like i said above tho, she's now moving wonderfully. Happy owner and vet.
