corrective shoeing for upward fixation of the patella

Question
QUESTION: Two years ago my horse had an incident of upper fixation of the patella. In the subsequent shoeing, my farrier added a small piece of metal to the outside of his hind shoes. The last shoeing my farrier did before he retired did not include this extra piece but my horse moved normally. The new young farrier who took over fitted my horse with special shoes that were prefabricated to include the extra piece but now my horse appears to move once in awhile like he is having some catching in his stifle. I think I should tell the new guy to forget these special shoes but how should the horse be shod to decrease this stifle problem?

ANSWER: HELLO CHRISTINE...THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION...

I'M taking for granted that a veterinarian has diagnosed this problem??
Without seeing the horse move or travel, I'm only speculating...
The "extra" piece you are referring to is normally just a lateral extension of the shoe which is forged or added on. It is "basic"
extra support to the stifle area and lower limb.

I personally would go back to what was working...maybe showing an old shoe to the new furrier for reference. ALL horses have to adjust
to shoeing changes...and NOT ALWAYS for the better !!

It was probably a mistake for the new farrier NOT to stay with what was working. Also...many times here in the states...on occasion the vets will "clip" a patella ligament for release purpose and it will help in many situations. According to length of problem and age of the horse. Just something to think about ?

The Best to You...
Joepaul Meyers,C.J.F.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer!
Yes, the problem was originally diagnosed by the veterinarian. It was an accident where the horse bucked violently and then had his leg stuck in extension. It was also the vet who suggested the type of corrective shoeing at the time of the incident. Unfortunately, I don't have an example of the previous shoes for reference for the new farrier, and anyway the last shoeing done by my old farrier was without the lateral extension. At the time of the last shoeing, my horse still moved normally.
Just one small follow up question: Is there a special type of shoeing for cases of upper fixation of the patella that doesn't involve a lateral extension of the shoe?

Answer
HELLO CHRISTINE...

Good to hear from you...
Again...surgery MIGHT be an option ?? DEPENDING on age and how long ago the injury happened. The Vet would be comfortable with the
decision.
Outside of slightly rocking the toe of the shoe to help the horse release in stride, I've had good luck that way. BUT...IF a horse has constant irritation in the joint, a therapeutic shoe will give support
but NOT relieve the problem.

Remember...any shoe is ONLY a prosthetic.
IF you have a Vet you are comfortable with, discuss the situation
for the good of the horse.

Wish I could help you more...
Joepaul