AboutAnne Stepien Expertise I am knowledgeable regarding Standardbred race horses (trotters and pacers). I can answer general questions, questions regarding conformation, rigging, lameness and some shoeing questions.
Experience I raced standardbreds (primarily trotters) for 9 years on the Grand Circuit and in overnight events for approximately 15 years.
Question My daughter was recently given the opportunity to have shared use of a retired racehorse. We don't know a lot about this horse. He was given to a young woman about 6 months ago (who has no prior experience with horses) who told us he had chips in his knee that were surgically removed about a year ago and could no longer be raced. The horse is 9 years old and although he looks slightly on the thin side, appears to be otherwise healthy. My daughter and I went to meet him for the first time last week. When we got there, he was out in the pasture holding his left leg elevated from the ground and did not want to come into the barn. His knee was moderately swollen, not hot and the swelled area was firm, making me think it was not fluid filled. His owner told us that most times it is not swollen, especially after he is exercised daily. She unsuccessfully attempted to pull him by the harness and then coax him with treats. My daughter got her lunge whip and walked to his rear, at which time, he proceeded to walk to the barn without limping. He has a wonderful disposition and is obviously used to being groomed and tacked (and probably lunged as well). She groomed and tacked him, and then walked him outside to the ring. Upon entering the ring, he kicked up his back legs mildly (only about two feet off the ground). She had him walk in a circle a half dozen times and when noticing a very mild limp to his swollen leg, she took him in. We do not have experience with an injured horse and have no idea what to make of this situation or what should be done. It should be noted that this horse is being kept at a private (owner does all) barn that has only three pastures, one of which has no horse, so there aren't other people around. The owner is very cooperative and willing to take our advise, move barns, etc., but I don't know if this is something we should pursue. I guess what I would like to know now is how I should go forward. Do you think it would be worth it to get a equine vet to come out and look at his knee? We only have two qualified vets in our area, but there are others that we could either travel to or have travel to us. Do you think we should be seeking out someone with specific expertise? Do you think this is something that could be rehabilitated by us? We are very willing to go to him (daily if necessary) and do whatever we need to do. Any advise you can offer would be greatly appreciated :)
Answer Hi Lori.
I'm curious why he can't be raced because he had bone chips removed from his knee. This (and OCD surgeries) are very common and horses race after them all the time. I suspect you were told this because the original owner didn't want to give up the papers.
Is he receiving any medication for inflammation, like Bute or Antiflam? Is anything being done to the knee, like hosing or ice/therapy boots?
I would try one or both of the above. If there isn't any improvement in a week or if things worsen I wouldn't hesitate to call a vet.
Best wishes!
Anne Stepien
