Horses have been observed to have problems with the stifle joint for a long time. In recent years, these joints are getting noticed and treated more, yet remain an uncommon area from which lameness arises. The stile is a big joint and it’s an important one overall.
Davey Ramey, DVM, discusses the challenges of stifle surgery, realistic outcomes and therapeutic options that are available for post-operative care. Unfortunately, he says that none of the therapies may be helpful in returning the horse to its previous level of use.
Source: Horse Network, February 26, 2020. Link. Less than 40% of studied horses in two studies returned to their intended use following stifle surgery. Depending on risk factors, the chances that a specific horse will do well may be even less.
Also see: Equine stifle joint therapies frustrate equine practitioners, AHD, November 12, 2019. Link.