Stabbing canter

I am working with a vet but was wondering if anyone else has any ideas. 15 year old dressage horse 3rd level, started last summer with a stabbing right lead canter that she cannot maintain more than a few strides only under saddle.
We have injected si joints, hocks, stifles, fetlocks and front cannon joints. We have changed the angles in her front hooves. She was sound for a couple rides after the fetlock injects and the same for the cannon joints.

I am at a loss.

Any ideas? Thanks

If you haven’t already blocked feet, start there.

If you have, rule out all the muscle issues from tying up to PSSM and whatever else.

If none of that points to anything get a good workup done by a neurologist.

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Start with the feet, and very especially all four of them. So many horses are NPA, and are compensating with whole body soreness.

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Has the shoulder been checked?

Wow, that’s a lot of injections. What did the flexion tests, X-rays, and any nerve/joint blocks reveal? That’s a lot of various areas so if you can more systematically pinpoint the source and bone vs soft tissue you may have better luck. Sounds like a more thorough exam by a sports medicine vet who knows how to approach these situations is going to bring more answers.

ETA- I do agree with looking at hind feet for negative Palmer angles as well

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Were the injections steroids? If so then you may have just experienced a bit of short lived systemic improvement. Might want to look at neck.

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When I think of a stabbing canter, especially on one lead, I think of stifle.

I wouldn’t use solely injections to rule out an issue FWIW, such as in the stifle. I’ve had a horse not respond to injections at all with a known stifle injury, if that makes sense.

I also agree that a good lameness vet is warranted because you could go down rabbit holes with this.

I would also address feet first.

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Thanks all, we have an appoint with a specialist next week. Keep your fingers crossed I absolutely love this horse and want her comfortable.

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Please report back. It’s helpful to anyone with similar issues or anyone who may search forums in the future. We like answers here :grimacing:
Definitely hoping the specialist can be of help.

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Here is the update, good news, there is nothing “wrong” with her, meaning no injuries, or any soft tissue tears or damage. What was found is she had inflammation of the front left bursa, which has likely caused her right stifle to become tight. We chose to do a course of Pro Stride. I was very happy with the thoroughness of the exam. The vet want’s a recheck in 30 days, figures crossed we found the issue.

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That’s great! Sometimes just that peace of mind is helpful. Prostride is great for stifles too. Thanks for the follow up.

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