QuestionHi,
Luxation of the Patella.Could you please tell me if this condition is congenital if my stallion didn't get it until he was 3 years old . I have read mini's can be born with luxation of the patella and if they were it would show up in the first few months of their life. My vet who doesn't really deal with minis said i shouldn't once he has his op breed from him, but other people and books i have read about minis are saying it cant be congenital because it would have made him lame before now.
His sire,Dam,siblings ect don't have and have never had this fault. I don't know what i should do for the best i want to carry on breeding from him , but only if he's not going to pass this on . He does have two foals due next year , he covered these mares before he went lame. please help..
AnswerHi Lorraine-
Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you- for some reason the system wouldn't let me get 3 of my questions. Anyway, I pulled out my Veterinary Guide for Owners and Breeders of Miniature Horses (by Rebecca L. Frankeny, VMD) which was just published in paperback in 2008 and there is a detailed section on luxation of the patella. From what I read and from what I've seen, I agree with you- I doubt its congenital. I would think it was caused by trauma.The bad news is, they recommend surgery or there is the likelihood that your guy will develop painful and crippling arthritis. I bought the book on amazon.com but it is published by Trafalgar Square. Hope this helps. Best, Toni
