Stifle

Question
I am looking to adopt a 10 yr old rescue horse with stifle (cause unknown) and am now being told she may be pregnant. Will this make her problem worse now and in the future? I am adopting her as a companion and need to know if their is special long term care she will need and substantial additonal vet bills? Please advise  Thank You

Answer
Hi Patricia.
  As I'm sure you know, all horses have stifles :)  The long term care and additional financial resources needed would depend on the severity of the problem. The seller(s) of the mare should have no problems with a vet of your choice going over the mare. If they do have a problem with it, I'd run--not walk---RUN in the other direction with your checkbook firmly in your grasp.
I highly recommend a complete vet exam on any horse a person is considering purchasing---regardless of price or who is selling the horse. A buyer doesn't need any unpleasant surprises.
Anne Stepien