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Degenerative Joint DiseaseThe baked earth of 2006 increased my lameness cases. It’s not surprising really if you think logically ; the ground we are riding on is more akin to concrete than turf and whether just playing in the field or being competed our horses are suffering concussion to the feet and joints.Chronic laminitics suffer as their soles are already flat or dropped and these easily get bruised. Other horses have shown pain in joints or feet with fortunately no signs of damage when X-rayed. However some are becoming acutely lame after work or even at pasture and when assessed are showing pain in the joint. DIAGNOSIS This is proven by injecting local anaesthetic directly into a specific joint which is under suspicion. In order to do this the area must be clipped and cleaned thoroughly as if for a surgical operation in order to minimise the risk of introducing bacteria into the joint. In humans because we have little hair coat and keep our skin clean then a wipe over with antiseptic seems sufficient and complications are very rare. Horses however have a close coat of variable thickness along with millions of bacteria waiting to cause a problem and a poorer immune system hence the careful preparation. If the lameness disappears after injection of local anaesthetic then your vet knows that this joint is the source of pain and then x-rays the joint and also may use an ultrasound scan. We can also use Gamma Scintigraphy (Bone Scans) to highlight hot spots in bone indicating areas of damage or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to show ligament and tendon damage as well as cartilage defects. Your vet will advise you of what is best for your horse as the lameness examination progresses. Once a specific diagnosis has been reached we can advise upon the most appropriate treatment and convalescence regime. Sometimes though a precise diagnosis is not possible but this should not depress the owner or vet as the processes that have been followed have eliminated many diseases, syndromes and conditions that you really did not want your horse to have! TREATMENT The X-Ray shows the hock of a successful event horse with degeneration of the lower hock joints.  Obviously this condition took some time to remodel the joint edges and form new bone around the joint margins and yet the horse was still competing well. Other cases have shown up as a result of acute lameness after a competition. Some of these will resolve with rest and a change in management while others may need surgery. Some will need remedial shoeing along with pain relief and anti inflammatory drugs. Injections into joints can be beneficial using Hyaluronic acid, Polysuphated Glycosaminoglycans or Corticosteroids as part of your vets treatment regime. Oral ‘Nutraceuticals’ are widely marketed for treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease but their use remains controversial as few products have any trial work to prove their effectiveness. The majority of these products contain Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin Sulphate. Both these compounds are necessary for the synthesis of joint cartilage but the oral bioavailability in the horses remains a subject of debate rather than fact! There are many anecdotal reports of success. I do use one brand in my clients horses after discussing the potential benefits but also say ‘They are unlikely to harm anything other than your wallet.’ PROGNOSIS If x-rays show DJD then the horse is at best likely to need an easier working life. If no visible changes are present on x-ray then joint treatments can aid a return to full work as the joint pain and inflammation is at an early stage. It seems common sense but when ground conditions are firm take it a little easy or compete a little less often and your horse will last longer. |
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| © 2010 North Park Veterinary Group | North Park Veterinary Group 64 Fore St, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2DT ..Tel: 01837 82327
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