Cruciate and collateral ligament failure in the equine stifle: seven cases (1975-1985).

The research paper discusses the treatment and outcomes of seven horses that experienced ligament failure in the knee joints (stifle) during the period between 1975 and 1985.

Research Objective

The research aimed at reviewing medical records of seven horses that suffered from either single or multiple ligament failure. The paper was designed to assess different factors such as signalment, history, diagnostic and treatment methods, outcome, and long-term follow-up information.

Findings

• Most of the horses experienced acute onset of lameness.
• The severity of the clinical signs was more pronounced in horses with multiple ligament injuries compared to those with single ligament injuries.
• Diagnosing single ligament injuries generally needed manipulative tests to narrow down the lameness to the stifle.
• In all cases, radiographic imaging of the stifle was used to aid in diagnosis.

Treatment and Outcome

• Some horses (n = 3) had to be euthanized after diagnosis.
• Other horses (n = 4) were subjected to stall rest as a form of treatment post-diagnosis.
• Out of four surviving horses, two became successful breeding animals, one was awaiting breeding, and one failed as a breeding animal.

Necropsy Findings

• Posthumous examinations were conducted on two of the three horses that were euthanized after diagnosis.
• One horse showed signs of early articular damage one day after the injury.
• The other horse developed degenerative joint disease one year post-injury.

Conclusion

The study suggested that multiple ligament injury causes more severe clinical signs than a single ligament injury. Diagnostic procedures like radiography are important in diagnosing ligament failures in horses. The post-diagnosis treatment varied from euthanasia to stall rest. The study also indicates the potential for ligament-injured horses to become successful breeders.