Accidents Do Happen

13 Bobby Knight, belonging to Gregg Talbert of Cheyenne Wells, Colo. was bucked at an event in Andrews, Texas and as he left the stripping chute was observed to be non-weight bearing on the right rear leg.

It was uncertain whether the injury occurred during the performance or something related to handling after he left the arena. After administering medication to provide pain relief, Mr. Talbert loaded Bobby Knight on a trailer to be transported to our hospital for evaluation.

Upon arrival, he was examined and it was determined the stifle joint was oriented in an unusual position. Palpation of the stifle (anatomically similar to the human knee) was accomplished while restrained in a hydraulic tilt chute. It was determined that 13 Bobby Knight had sustained an avulsion (tear) of the lateral patellar (kneecap) ligament as well as the lateral collateral ligament of the stifle. Surgery was scheduled for that afternoon, even though the bull had endured a long haul.

The window of time for optimal repair was very small andfurther risk of injury was great. This type of injury had never been observed in a mature bucking bull before, and though we had an idea for a surgical solution to the problem, no one could be sure until the damage was evaluated from within. This procedure is commonly preformed in small animals as patellar (kneecap) luxation is common in the small breeds (terriers, poodles) of dogs.