Our 4.5 yo mustang filly was just diagnosed with fibrotic myopathy, a non-painful build up of scar tissue on the major tendons in her left hind. She has always had a funny step since she came to us in 2015 (My daughter did the Extreme Mustang Makeover as a youth). She w/t/c fine with no mis-step, jumps 2’6", trail rides phenomenally. She is currently working in a therapeutic riding program, trail riding and light arena flatwork with beginners. (She is a draft cross, according to DNA, and is 16.1 hands at her age) We finally had her xrayed and ultrasounded to find out what the swingy leg was all about and the vet diagnosed FM, with the probability that she was injured in the wild before she came to us. The director at the barn has taken her completely out of work, although nothing has changed since the day we got her, except now it has a name. I’m looking for any/all info regarding others with this diagnosis and if their horses are in any type of work. She is happy, loves getting out, and is a fantastic part of their program. I don’t want to rock the boat, but I feel pretty strongly that stopping ALL work is probably not the way to go.
I had a horse with fibrotic myopathy. He slipped and ‘sat’ down hard. I kept riding him lightly. It was mechanical due to the scar tissue but he wasn’t painful at all.
The workload you mention should not bother her. Like you said, it only has a name now. As long as she is happy and willing, I see no reason to put her on the shelf.
Susan
Fibrotic myopathy just decreases the range of motion, so as long as your horse is able to do the activity and enjoys doing it, keep at it! Its not an end all situation. Depending on the degree of her scar tissue, depends on the work load she can handle. I would just be cautious of her jumping. FM affects the hind quarters/ hamstrings of the horse, so the more stress put on that part of the body, the worse it can get. Hope this helps!
Very helpful, thank you both!
