Shoulder joint

["Barbara B. Peck" <bpeck@together.net>]

Jim:

 

I should have clarified my statement.

The joint you speak of is indeed called the shoulder joint, but it's not like

joints as I  think of them, as it's the only "joint" in the horse that doesn't have ligaments

to hold it in place.  There are only muscles surrounding the joint, which act as ligaments..

 

SO, I got out my anatomy book and checked for the "popping" shoulder aliment described in the

original post.

 

If the shoulder "pops" outward as the horse puts weight on the leg, it could be that the muscles

are not working due to nerve damage.  If it's nerve damage, the muscles will atrophy and

tighten, and in effect, act as ligaments, and the should may stop popping.

 

Sorry for the confusion, The way I made that statement,  I *was* incorrect.

 

Barb

 

 

 

Referenced messages:

 

In a message dated 4/28/01 9:11:07 PM Central Daylight Time,
bpeck@together.net writes:

> A horse doesn't have a shoulder joint. 
> (They can have a dropped elbow, which 
>   may be what you're referring to?). 
>
> I'd have a Vet look at the 
>   horse. 
>   
> Sounds more they severe muscle stain, and maybe even a 
>   muscle tear 
> if there's alot of swelling... or it could be under the 
>   scapula (shoulder 
> blade). 
>
> Barb

The horse most certainly does have a shoulder joint. The same one as a
human, GlenoHumeral joint. Where the upper arm articulates at the scapula.
You may be thinking of the SternoClavicular joint which a horse does not
have, since it doesn't have a clavicle, in fact no animal that doesn't climb
or hang has a clavicle. Leads me to think the clavicle is an evolutionary
bone spur!
There are 4 muscles that are responsible for keeping the humerus and the
scapula intact, the rotator cuff muscles: Infraspinatus, Supraspinatus,
Subscapularis and Terres. Any and all of these will be affected by a
dislocation or severe strain. The joint capsule will also be affected.
This is definitely a situation where a Vet needs to be consulted.

regards

Jim Pascucci
Advanced Certified Rolfer
www.equinesi.com