Most cases of stringhalt are associated with nerve degeneration. The specific cause this degeneration is unclear, but it might be caused by ingestion of certain plants such as vetch and sweet peas, which contain compounds that damage peripheral nerves. Australian stringhalt commonly involves groups of horses and is thought to be caused by ingestion of flatweed (Hypochoeris radica). Trauma to the dorsal hock or dorsal metatarsal regions can also cause the abnormality by damaging nerves or causing adhesions to tendons.
Some cases of stringhalt may resolve without treatment, often requiring months. Affected horses should be removed from pasture and the pasture should be inspected for toxic plants known to cause stringhalt. Sedative medications may reduce anxiety and improve the condition. A surgical procedure, which involves removing a section of one of the tendons crossing the outer portion of the hock, will bring about improvement in some cases. The prognosis for recovery from stringhalt is guarded to fair; some horses never recover from the condition regardless of treatment.
Friday, December 2, 2011
More about Stringhalt
Stringhalt is an abnormal gait that involves exaggerated flexion of one or both hock joints, resulting in a rapid elevation of the hind limb. The abnormality might be subtle--such as minor upward jerking of the hind leg, or so severe that the canon bone and fetlock are pulled violently against the horse's belly. Some severely affected horses have difficulty moving forward because of the over-flexion at every step. Signs could be exaggerated in nervous or agitated horses, or when they are backed. There is no breed or age predilection. Other syndromes that can cause somewhat similar gait abnormalities include shivers, fibrotic myopathy, intermittent upward fixation of the patella, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve degeneration) due to equine protozoal myelitis (EPM).
The Myster of Stringhalt
Veterinarian Carolyn R. Simmelink explains what is behind a condition that makes it difficult for a horse to control his hind legs.
Question: My horse Bridget, a former jumper, was 18 years old when I bought her. Within two months, I learned she had stringhalt. I gradually put her back into work and was successful in doing Introductory Level dressage before she again became lame. I had her hocks injected and later elected to have surgery performed, but the problem returned. Can you tell me more about stringhalt?
Answer: Stringhalt is a rare lameness that causes a horse to lift his hind legs higher and more rapidly than usual when he's moving. One or both hind legs may be affected, and the lameness varies from mild (just a muscle spasm) to so severe that the horse actually kicks himself in the belly when he tries to move. Conditions that make any horse's gaits more animated, such as cold weather and competing, can exacerbate the signs. There does not seem to be pain involved with the lameness, yet it is difficult to ride a horse that cannot control the actions of his hind legs.
Veterinarians don't know what causes most cases of stringhalt. We do know that the nerve controlling the lateral digital extensor muscle probably is damaged. This muscle lies on the outside of the hind leg, just above the hock, so a kick to this area is the most likely culprit. For horses with bilateral stringhalt--both hind legs are affected--a more central location of nerve damage, either in the spinal cord or brain, is likely.
Treatment is surgical and involves removing a portion of the lateral digital extensor muscle and tendon to restore a more normal gait. Without the action of the lateral digital extensor muscle, the hind leg cannot be brought forward with as much force.
I suspect that in your mare's case, the primary lesion was in the spinal cord because her stringhalt was bilateral and she had no other behavior that would suggest a brain lesion. That also would explain why surgery brought only temporary relief. I could speculate that she had trauma to her spine from her former jumping career that predisposed her to arthritis in her spine and nerve damage to her back legs that happened to develop after you purchased her. The dressage work probably kept her flexible enough until the nerve damage became too severe for her to be ridden.
Question: My horse Bridget, a former jumper, was 18 years old when I bought her. Within two months, I learned she had stringhalt. I gradually put her back into work and was successful in doing Introductory Level dressage before she again became lame. I had her hocks injected and later elected to have surgery performed, but the problem returned. Can you tell me more about stringhalt?
Answer: Stringhalt is a rare lameness that causes a horse to lift his hind legs higher and more rapidly than usual when he's moving. One or both hind legs may be affected, and the lameness varies from mild (just a muscle spasm) to so severe that the horse actually kicks himself in the belly when he tries to move. Conditions that make any horse's gaits more animated, such as cold weather and competing, can exacerbate the signs. There does not seem to be pain involved with the lameness, yet it is difficult to ride a horse that cannot control the actions of his hind legs.
Veterinarians don't know what causes most cases of stringhalt. We do know that the nerve controlling the lateral digital extensor muscle probably is damaged. This muscle lies on the outside of the hind leg, just above the hock, so a kick to this area is the most likely culprit. For horses with bilateral stringhalt--both hind legs are affected--a more central location of nerve damage, either in the spinal cord or brain, is likely.
Treatment is surgical and involves removing a portion of the lateral digital extensor muscle and tendon to restore a more normal gait. Without the action of the lateral digital extensor muscle, the hind leg cannot be brought forward with as much force.
I suspect that in your mare's case, the primary lesion was in the spinal cord because her stringhalt was bilateral and she had no other behavior that would suggest a brain lesion. That also would explain why surgery brought only temporary relief. I could speculate that she had trauma to her spine from her former jumping career that predisposed her to arthritis in her spine and nerve damage to her back legs that happened to develop after you purchased her. The dressage work probably kept her flexible enough until the nerve damage became too severe for her to be ridden.
Stringhalt - What is it?
Stringhalt is a myoclonic affliction of one or both hindlimbs seen as spasmodic overflexion of the joints. The etiology is unknown, but lesions of a peripheral neuropathy have been identified in the sciatic, peroneal, and tibial nerves. Severe forms of the condition have been attributed to lathyrism (sweet pea poisoning) in the USA and possibly to flat weed intoxication in Australia. Horses of any breed may be affected; it is rare in foals.
All degrees of hyperflexion are seen, from the mild, spasmodic lifting and grounding of the foot, to the extreme case in which the foot is drawn sharply up until it touches the belly and is then struck violently on the ground. In severe cases, there is atrophy of the lateral thigh muscles. In Australian stringhalt and lathyrism, the condition may be progressive, and the gait abnormality may become so severe that euthanasia is warranted.
Mild stringhalt may be intermittent. The signs are most obvious when the horse is sharply turned or backed. In some cases, the condition is seen only on the first few steps after moving the horse out of its stall. The signs are often less intense or even absent during warmer weather. Although it is regarded as unsoundness, stringhalt may not materially hinder the horse’s ability to work, except in severe cases when the constant concussion gives rise to secondary complications. The condition may also make the horse unsuitable for equestrian sports (eg, dressage).
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs but can be confirmed by electromyography. If the diagnosis is in doubt, the horse should be observed as it is backed out of the stall after hard work for 1-2 days. False stringhalt sometimes appears as a result of some temporary irritation to the lower pastern area or even a painful lesion in the foot. The occasional horse with momentary upward fixation of the patella may exhibit a stringhalt-like gait.
When intoxication is suspected, removal to another paddock may be all that is required. Many of these cases apparently recover spontaneously. In chronic cases, tenectomy of the lateral extensor of the digit, including removal of a portion of the muscle, has given best results. Improvement may not be evident until 2-3 wk after surgery. Prognosis after surgery is guarded—not all cases respond. This is not surprising because the condition is a distal axonopathy. Other methods of treatment include large doses of thiamine and phenytoin.
All degrees of hyperflexion are seen, from the mild, spasmodic lifting and grounding of the foot, to the extreme case in which the foot is drawn sharply up until it touches the belly and is then struck violently on the ground. In severe cases, there is atrophy of the lateral thigh muscles. In Australian stringhalt and lathyrism, the condition may be progressive, and the gait abnormality may become so severe that euthanasia is warranted.
Mild stringhalt may be intermittent. The signs are most obvious when the horse is sharply turned or backed. In some cases, the condition is seen only on the first few steps after moving the horse out of its stall. The signs are often less intense or even absent during warmer weather. Although it is regarded as unsoundness, stringhalt may not materially hinder the horse’s ability to work, except in severe cases when the constant concussion gives rise to secondary complications. The condition may also make the horse unsuitable for equestrian sports (eg, dressage).
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs but can be confirmed by electromyography. If the diagnosis is in doubt, the horse should be observed as it is backed out of the stall after hard work for 1-2 days. False stringhalt sometimes appears as a result of some temporary irritation to the lower pastern area or even a painful lesion in the foot. The occasional horse with momentary upward fixation of the patella may exhibit a stringhalt-like gait.
When intoxication is suspected, removal to another paddock may be all that is required. Many of these cases apparently recover spontaneously. In chronic cases, tenectomy of the lateral extensor of the digit, including removal of a portion of the muscle, has given best results. Improvement may not be evident until 2-3 wk after surgery. Prognosis after surgery is guarded—not all cases respond. This is not surprising because the condition is a distal axonopathy. Other methods of treatment include large doses of thiamine and phenytoin.
Buddy is here
We are glad to get this old guy - but he does have some baggage. We think he has Stringhalt. We will post an article on this disease. We have agreed to give him some time to settle in and then try some holistic treatments. Perhaps some TLC and a few prayers will be all that is needed. Monday, November 28, 2011
Awaiting "Buddy"
This great guy was donated to the Ranch Rescue program. He is 20 years old and a real gentleman. He didn't really need rescueing as much as a retirement placeing. We are so grateful to his previous owners for the opportunity to get to know our second "Budinski". Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
An Old Friend Comes Home
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
A Look At Life From The Saddle
NO HOUR OF LIFE IS WASTED THAT IS SPENT IN THE SADDLE
Winston Churchill
The view from atop a loyal horse reveals the expanse of life's terrain. A cowboy can survey the height of achievement and the depth of the hardship with a keen eye and a knowing heart. Surrounded by creation, immersed in solitude and bound by an unspoken code that shapes his honor, courage, strength and faith. Thank you Lord for allowing us to saddle up on this side of heaven.
Winston Churchill
The view from atop a loyal horse reveals the expanse of life's terrain. A cowboy can survey the height of achievement and the depth of the hardship with a keen eye and a knowing heart. Surrounded by creation, immersed in solitude and bound by an unspoken code that shapes his honor, courage, strength and faith. Thank you Lord for allowing us to saddle up on this side of heaven.
Any Day Now
We are waiting for Spring to come - any day now?
We are waiting for our foals to arrive - any day now?
However with all things pretaining to this life - good things are worth waiting for! In your time Lord, in your time.
We are waiting for our foals to arrive - any day now?
However with all things pretaining to this life - good things are worth waiting for! In your time Lord, in your time.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
That Fateful Day
I was ridin' in from checkin' fence
It was gettin' sorta late
I decided to cross the ridge through the Aspen grove
A short cut to our gate
As the Bay brought me to the top
In the shadows I saw a man
He looked as if he was talkin'
By the way he moved his hands
Yet, he stood there all alone
His head pointed towards the sky
I reined the Bay up to a halt
And didn't pass him by
It was then, I realized it was Bill
An old cowhand from the ranch
I pulled the Bay up near a tree
And hid there behind a branch
In the silence I could hear him speak
I'll never forget what he had to say
Bill was talkin' man to man with God
These are the words I heard him say
Lord, he said, it's old Bill here
I know it's been quite awhile
I used to think that prayin'
Well, that prayin' just weren't my style
Somehow I've always had the notion
To pray you were askin' for favors and such
So I never got into the habit
I always seemed to have so much
Then the other day I got to thinkin'
How you've blessed me everyday
That even through the hardest times
You never once did stray
Yes Sir, you've stayed right here with me
Through all my 80 years
The words Bill were sayin'
They brought me near to tears Bill said, Lord, I haven't come to ask for favors
It's thanks I've come to say
For all the deeds you've done for me
And never once asked for pay
I, thank you Lord for this Aspen grove
For the blue up in the sky
The tall grass down in the meadow
The clear water that passes by
Thank you Lord for the mountains high
Their peaks covered a snowy white
For all the stars each night that shine
It's such a beautiful sight
The mustangs runnin' free on the range
The mavericks we gather in early spring
The Eagle soaring above my head
Lord, I thank you for everything
Thank you for all the good friends I've had
Through the years I've had quite a few
As I get older, I now understand
They were there because of you
Lord, I thank you most for my 80 years
And the few I have left to go
And Lord, thank you for lettin' me cowboy
I've truly loved it so
With that Bill mounted up, then headed off
Leavin' me...my eyes wide open to see
For until then I just took things for granted
That day...I came to believe
It's been nearly forty years now
Since Bill stood in that grove of trees
But, his words are still here with me
I hope they never leave
Like Bill, I too am so thankful
For oh so very much
And ever since that Fateful Day
Me and the Lord...we stay in touch
Woody Woodruff
It was gettin' sorta late
I decided to cross the ridge through the Aspen grove
A short cut to our gate
As the Bay brought me to the top
In the shadows I saw a man
He looked as if he was talkin'
By the way he moved his hands
Yet, he stood there all alone
His head pointed towards the sky
I reined the Bay up to a halt
And didn't pass him by
It was then, I realized it was Bill
An old cowhand from the ranch
I pulled the Bay up near a tree
And hid there behind a branch
In the silence I could hear him speak
I'll never forget what he had to say
Bill was talkin' man to man with God
These are the words I heard him say
Lord, he said, it's old Bill here
I know it's been quite awhile
I used to think that prayin'
Well, that prayin' just weren't my style
Somehow I've always had the notion
To pray you were askin' for favors and such
So I never got into the habit
I always seemed to have so much
Then the other day I got to thinkin'
How you've blessed me everyday
That even through the hardest times
You never once did stray
Yes Sir, you've stayed right here with me
Through all my 80 years
The words Bill were sayin'
They brought me near to tears Bill said, Lord, I haven't come to ask for favors
It's thanks I've come to say
For all the deeds you've done for me
And never once asked for pay
I, thank you Lord for this Aspen grove
For the blue up in the sky
The tall grass down in the meadow
The clear water that passes by
Thank you Lord for the mountains high
Their peaks covered a snowy white
For all the stars each night that shine
It's such a beautiful sight
The mustangs runnin' free on the range
The mavericks we gather in early spring
The Eagle soaring above my head
Lord, I thank you for everything
Thank you for all the good friends I've had
Through the years I've had quite a few
As I get older, I now understand
They were there because of you
Lord, I thank you most for my 80 years
And the few I have left to go
And Lord, thank you for lettin' me cowboy
I've truly loved it so
With that Bill mounted up, then headed off
Leavin' me...my eyes wide open to see
For until then I just took things for granted
That day...I came to believe
It's been nearly forty years now
Since Bill stood in that grove of trees
But, his words are still here with me
I hope they never leave
Like Bill, I too am so thankful
For oh so very much
And ever since that Fateful Day
Me and the Lord...we stay in touch
Woody Woodruff
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
To The Grandkids
I'm just an old cowboy and in the saddle I love to sit. I don't have much polish,
but it’s been said, I've got lots of spit.
The good Lord has watched over us, and we can’t complain a bit about our life.
I've worked hard near every day, just like your grandma, my beloved wife.
Someday, I’ll light out for Heaven on high, but there’s no need to cry
For I'll be riding for my Lord Jesus, high in the sky.
There are no fences in Heaven, the range is free and wide.
And the grasslands are well-watered there, on the Other Side.
Now as you grow up don’t leave it up to chance
Give the heaven’s above more than just a pass’n glance
Smile lots and always do your chores.
And think often of the grace, God has promised could be yours.
Love ya always...
but it’s been said, I've got lots of spit.
The good Lord has watched over us, and we can’t complain a bit about our life.
I've worked hard near every day, just like your grandma, my beloved wife.
Someday, I’ll light out for Heaven on high, but there’s no need to cry
For I'll be riding for my Lord Jesus, high in the sky.
There are no fences in Heaven, the range is free and wide.
And the grasslands are well-watered there, on the Other Side.
Now as you grow up don’t leave it up to chance
Give the heaven’s above more than just a pass’n glance
Smile lots and always do your chores.
And think often of the grace, God has promised could be yours.
Love ya always...
In Memory Of Herb Harfman
It's not the end of the trail for me.
I'm just heading out to the light I see.
Beyond these mountains there's a soft glow;
It's getting brighter the closer I go.
It's like the beginning of a new day.
And the trail I'm followin' leads the way.
I feel sure there's friends and family ahead.
And they've set up camp on a brand new spread.
Yes, I can hear their voices callin my name,
Sayin, Welcome Herb, sure glad you came.
This new range is special, you'll like it here.
There's grass for your horses, the streams are clear.
The cattle are gentle, and never a stampede,
And in every direction there's plenty of feed..
If your're thinkin it sounds too good to be true,
It's not cause the Boss made a promise to you.
If you'd ride for his brand, be honest and square,
He'd relieve all your pain, and remove every care.
He was mighty pleased with your life on earth,
That you did your best, and proved your worth.
So step off your horse, and tied on up,
Your freinds are all waiting to pour you a cup.
I'm just heading out to the light I see.
Beyond these mountains there's a soft glow;
It's getting brighter the closer I go.
It's like the beginning of a new day.
And the trail I'm followin' leads the way.
I feel sure there's friends and family ahead.
And they've set up camp on a brand new spread.
Yes, I can hear their voices callin my name,
Sayin, Welcome Herb, sure glad you came.
This new range is special, you'll like it here.
There's grass for your horses, the streams are clear.
The cattle are gentle, and never a stampede,
And in every direction there's plenty of feed..
If your're thinkin it sounds too good to be true,
It's not cause the Boss made a promise to you.
If you'd ride for his brand, be honest and square,
He'd relieve all your pain, and remove every care.
He was mighty pleased with your life on earth,
That you did your best, and proved your worth.
So step off your horse, and tied on up,
Your freinds are all waiting to pour you a cup.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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