Joint health in horses involves the study of anatomical structures such as cartilage, synovial fluid, ligaments, and bones that contribute to the function and mobility of equine joints. Research in this area focuses on understanding the physiology of equine joints, the mechanisms of joint disorders, and the effects of wear and tear over time. Common joint issues in horses include osteoarthritis, synovitis, and joint effusion, which can impact performance and quality of life. Diagnostic techniques often involve imaging, synovial fluid analysis, and clinical evaluation to assess joint condition. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, pathology, diagnostics, and therapeutic approaches related to joint health in horses.
Butler J, Rydell NW, Balazs EA.Twelve horses with traumatic arthritis were treated with intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid mixed with cortisone and the results compared with 6 horses treated only with cortisone. There was a significantly better improvement in the group injected with a mixture of hyaluronic acid and cortisone. Further studies have given the same results in traumatic arthritis in horses if hyaluronic acid alone is injected. After injection of hyaluronic acid a large number of granulated monocytes appeared in the synovial fluid, but no inflammatory signs were observed. It is possible that this macroph...
Velásquez JM, Tamayo-Arango L, Santos-Silva T, Miglino MA.Horse joints are common sites of injury, orthopedic issues, and surgical and clinical interventions. For this reason, a thorough understanding of joint anatomy, including the boundaries of their recesses and their relationships with other structures of the locomotor apparatus, is essential. This study aimed to develop cast anatomical models of the synovial structures of the equine hand and foot, compare different casting materials and visualization methods, and identify the most suitable technique for enhancing the understanding of equine limb arthrology. Additionally, an anatomical descriptio...
Mason SJ, O'Neill HD, Bladon BM.The objective was to investigate synovial sample appearance, total nucleated cell count (TNCC), total protein concentration (TP), and neutrophil percentage in horses with acute articular fractures to aid decision making in acutely lame horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Synovial fluid samples (n = 55). Methods: Synovial fluid records were analyzed over an 11 year period from horses undergoing lag screw fixation or arthroscopic fragment removal of intra-articular fractures within 48 h of occurrence. Horses were excluded when presented with wounds close to the joint or ...
Arnade H, Ivie IE, Gordon J, Peroni JF.To evaluate the feasibility of short-term 3-D tissue culture in maintaining the structure and function of equine synovial explants and demonstrate that day 4 explant characteristics were not significantly different from day 0. We hypothesized that a 4-day culture period in 3-D explant culture would not significantly disrupt synovial tissue health and function compared to baseline measurements. Unassigned: Synovial explants (n = 24/horse) from healthy carpal joints of 5 horses were cultured in 12-well plates using tissue-stabilizing agar rings. Explants were evaluated in triplicate or quadrupli...
Loppnow Z, Kersh K, Wang C, Spaethe S, Troy J.The clinical outcomes in horses diagnosed with established synovial sepsis (SS) or minimally contaminated synovial wounds (SW)/non-established sepsis, following intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) treatment, have not been reported since 2010. Additionally, previous reports on this subject were confined to just two clinical retrospective reports. This study aimed to provide an update on the short-term (hospital discharge) and long-term (≥1 year) survival rates in adult horses diagnosed with SS or SW treated with IVRLP at a single institution in the USA from 2010-2020. The study also...
Debald DC, Stanton VL, Sandow CB, Rodgerson DH, Spirito MA, Hunt RJ, Menarim BC.While radiographically evident carpal osteochondral fragments (COF) in Thoroughbred yearlings impair sales, their impact on future racing performance has been minimally investigated. Objective: To assess the impact of COF on Thoroughbred yearling sales and racing performance, and whether these are improved by arthroscopic removal. We hypothesised that surgical removal of COF improves Thoroughbred yearling sales and racing performance. Methods: Retrospective observational. Methods: Using clinical records from years 2015-2018, 46 Thoroughbred yearlings with COF were identified and allocated to a...
Luque RM, Henderson B, McCorkell TC, Alizadeh AH, Russell KA, Koch TG, Koenig J.Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are widely used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Optimising dose, timing, and safety while comparing efficacy with standard therapies like hyaluronic acid (HA) is essential for their standardisation. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of equine umbilical cord-derived (eCB) MSCs in client-owned horses with fetlock or carpus OA. Methods: Prospective single-blinded randomised clinical study. Methods: Horses diagnosed with fetlock or carpus OA via intra-articular (IA) anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either 10 or 20 million eCB-MSCs in HA or 3â€...
Beck AA, Paz LB, Frank MI, Pereira RCF, De La Côrte FD.To evaluate the effect of IA injections of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in horses with chronic, naturally occurring distal tarsal osteoarthritis. Unassigned: 9 horses were selected after physical and radiographic assessments. Horses also underwent an objective lameness examination and were included if they had a hindlimb impact lameness (Pmin ≥ 3 mm), which positively responded (≥ 50%) to the tarsometatarsal and centrodistal joints' anesthetic block. Horses randomly received an intra-articular injection of BoNT-A or an equivalent volume of saline solution. Horses were reevaluated at pos...
Castanheira CIGD, Anderson JR, Clarke EJ, Hackl M, James V, Clegg PD, Peffers MJ.This study describes a novel technique to analyze the extracellular vesicle (EV)-derived microRNA (miRNA) crosstalk between equine chondrocytes and synoviocytes. Donor cells (chondrocytes, n = 8; synoviocytes, n = 9) were labelled with 5-ethynyl uridine (5-EU); EVs were isolated from culture media and incubated with recipient cells (chondrocytes [n = 5] were incubated with synoviocyte-derived EVs, and synoviocytes [n = 4] were incubated with chondrocyte-derived EVs). Total RNA was extracted from recipient cells; the 5-EU-labelled RNA was recovered and sequenced. Differential expression analysi...
Drahonovska A, Bladon BM, O'Neill HD.To describe a technique and report outcomes for internal fixation of short frontal-plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx (P1) in standing horses. Methods: Short case series. Methods: Six Thoroughbred racehorses with short, frontal plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal P1. Methods: All fractures were located in the hindlimb. Horses presented with moderate lameness and marked effusion of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint. Fractures had a medial bias extending from the central aspect of proximal P1 to involve the dorsomedial prominence. F...
Moore GE, Leatherwood JL, Glass KG, Arnold CE, Paris BL, Carter MM, George JM, Fontenot AB, Martinez RE, Franklin MA, Norton SA, Bradbery AN....The objective was to evaluate dietary fermentation product (SCFP) on joint inflammation and cartilage metabolism in exercising yearlings challenged with intra-articular lipopolysaccharide (LPS), hypothesizing dietary SCFP (TruEquineC, Diamond V Mills, Inc.) would ameliorate joint inflammation and increase cartilage metabolism. Thirty Quarter Horse yearlings were stratified by bodyweight (BW), age, sex, and randomly assigned to dietary treatments (n = 10/treatment): control (0), 46, or 92 mg/kg BW/d SCFP. Treatments were top-dressed to 1% BW/d concentrate void of added microbials. Horses ...
Serpa PBS, Bogers S, Byron C, Cardona G, Patton M.A 1-year-old American Quarter horse was presented with acute onset of right hind lameness. On physical examination, there was synovial effusion of the right tarsocrural joint. Synovial fluid cytology revealed a marked eosinophilic synovitis. Serology indicated evidence of acute and chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, although PCR of the synovial fluid was negative. The filly was treated with phenylbutazone and oxytetracycline, and repeated synovial cytology indicated improvement. The filly was discharged with a prescription of minocycline for 30 days. Despite initial improvement, recu...
Rinnovati R, Spadari A, Malpighi A, Meistro F, Ralletti MV, Marcucci E, Tarasconi MA, Chiatto RL, Tommasa SD.Numerous treatment strategies have been proposed to manage osteoarthritis (OA) in sport horses. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), is used in veterinary medicine for various purposes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a CMC hydrogel in reducing clinical lameness in horses with OA affecting joint. The hypothesis was that intra-articular CMC would produce a sustained reduction in lameness compared to a control treatment. Methods: Thirty client-owned horses diagnosed with OA-related lameness in the metacarpophalangeal joint were enrolled. Horses were randomly assigned to two groups...
Pluim M, Frippiat T.Polyacrylamide gel is increasingly used in equine veterinary medicine for osteoarthritis and other joint disorders. This study aimed to document the indications, treatment protocols, rehabilitation plans, outcomes, and satisfaction with intra-articular polyacrylamide gel in horses, as reported by equine veterinarians. An online questionnaire was distributed to practitioners through the European and American Colleges of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation mailing lists, social media, and direct contact. Of 197 respondents, 160 completed the survey, forming the basis for the descriptiv...
Rodrigues APDC, Pozzobon R, De Bastiani G, De La Côrte FD, Azevedo MDS.Lameness, which arises from functional or structural changes in the limbs or axial skeleton, causes asymmetry in the movement of the equine head and/or pelvis. This study aimed to investigate the lameness patterns of horses that underwent lameness examination or monitoring during the years 2016 to 2020. This retrospective study used data from the lameness examination, evaluated using an objective assessment with body-mounted wireless inertial sensors. The lameness examination comprised clinical history, static inspection, palpation, gait evaluation (for which the animals were equipped with a w...
Kadic LIM, Liu CC, Leise BS, McCauley CT, Riggs LM.The aim of the study was to determine if a novel arthrodesis technique for the equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint using a human non-contact bridging (NCB), polyaxial locking compression plate system has biomechanical and potential clinical advantages versus a traditional 5.5 mm stainless steel locking compression plate (LCP) under biomechanical testing. Methods: An ex vivo biomechanical equine cadaver study. Methods: A total of 11 MCP joints collected from adult Thoroughbred horses euthanized unrelated to musculoskeletal disease. Methods: Each pair of MCP joints were randomly implanted w...
Roth SP, Liso G, Brehm W, Wagner B, Schnabel CL, Troillet A.The anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) in joint-associated disorders are presumably mediated by the biomolecules it contains, such as cytokines and chemokines. ACS is commonly used in equine practice after storage. Data regarding the influence of storage conditions of ACS on cytokine and chemokine concentrations are not available. Unassigned: To evaluate the effect of commonly used storage conditions on selected cytokine and chemokine concentrations in equine ACS. Unassigned: From 10 horse patients with clinically indicated ACS preparation six ACS ...
Foucaud M, Haegeman L, Kadic D, Vinardell T, Mariën T, Declercq J.To describe a direct arthroscopic approach of the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock to facilitate fragment removal, highlighting its advantages over previously described arthroscopic methods for the fetlock. Additionally, to evaluate and present a retrospective case series. Methods: Ex vivo and retrospective clinical study. Methods: A total of 25 fetlocks in 23 horses. Methods: A direct approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock was developed on five cadaveric limbs. Arthroscopic anatomy and landmarks were examined. The approach was clinical...
Bonow S, Hernlund E, Eriksson S, Strandberg E, Gelinder Viklund Ã….Sweden has a strong tradition of insuring horses for veterinary costs, and orthopedic diagnoses are the most common for insurance claims. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in prevalence and risk of orthopedic diagnoses for Swedish warmblood (SWB) horses classified as jumping (J) or dressage (D) horses. Also, other factors that may influence orthopedic health were investigated, i.e., sex, birth cohort, and participation in young horse tests and competition. The data consisted of 15,619 insured SWB horses born between 2010 and 2020. Horses were classified as J or D horses acco...
Maguire M, Brusie R.To determine the outcome of skeletally mature performance horses with subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx treated by lag screw compression. Unassigned: Case records of horses that underwent lag screw compression to treat subchondral bone lesions in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx were reviewed. Performance horses > 5 years old with lameness referrable to the fetlock region; radiographic or other advanced imaging evidence of subchondral bone lesions, with no other concurrent cause for lameness; and at least 6 months of follow-up data were inc...
Garcia-Collao MR, Curtiss AL, Hogan PM.To describe the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement of third carpal bone (C3) incomplete slab fractures (ISF) in racehorses. Methods: Retrospective case study. Methods: Horses undergoing arthroscopic debridement of ISF of C3. Methods: The medical records of horses surgically treated for ISF of C3 were reviewed. Age, sex, breed, limb, fracture configuration, preoperative radiographs, arthroscopic findings, postoperative intraarticular therapies, and exercise recommendations were recorded. Racing performance was obtained from online databases. Univariable analyses were used to determine associa...
Mathys RA, Schmitz TR, Geyer H, Borel N, Hilbe M, Ohlerth S, Bischofberger AS.This study described, assessed and correlated ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, and histological findings in the sacroiliac joints of adult Warmblood horse cadavers. In total, 25 joints from 15 horses were examined post-mortem using transrectal ultrasonography and helical computed tomography. Findings on computed tomography were graded in the caudal joint third (caudally) and for the entire joint as mild, moderate, or severe. In total, 11 joints from nine horses were evaluated histologically. All joints (100%) showed abnormalities on computed tomography, and 92% (23/25) displayed abnorma...
Khaliji E, Marycz K, Horna M, Morgan JM, Galuppo LD, Vapniarsky N, Cassano JM.To evaluate IA autologous platelet-derived mitochondrial preparation versus vehicle control in a bilateral lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of equine synovitis. Unassigned: 2 ng of LPS was injected into bilateral intercarpal joints of 6 horses over 3 months. Autologous mitochondria, isolated with a commercial kit, were injected into one joint, while the contralateral joint received a vehicle control, a within-subject controlled experimental design. Mitochondrial organelle appearance was visualized on transmission electron microscopy. Outcome measures included synovial fluid and whole-blo...
de Souza AF, Pereira CAM, Gialain IO, Meira JBC, Ballester RY, De Zoppa ALDV.This study aimed to compare the stress distribution in proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with locking compression plate in horses based on the type and method of screw implantation in the proximal hole and partial or total removal of implants after fusion.Finite element analysis.Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis was simulated using a 3-hole, 4.5-mm narrow locking compression plate combined with two 5.5-mm transarticular screws. Models were created according to the type (cortex or locking) and method of implantation (uni- or bicortical) of the screw in the proximal hole of the...
Sanchez-Arjona R, Lopez Cruz C, Hague BA, Jayawickrama J, Kamm JL.To evaluate the outcomes of diode laser-facilitated (DLF) ankylosis using different surgical techniques to treat distal tarsal osteoarthritis (OA) in horses. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 64 client-owned horses with distal tarsal OA treated with DLF ankylosis between 2011 and 2021 in a referral hospital were included. Methods: DLF ankylosis techniques included: intra-articular diode laser (L), diode laser with periarticular drilling (L + D) and diode laser with cuboidal bone fenestration (L + F). Horses requiring a second surgery formed a fourth group (T). Ou...
Kooy S, Constant J, Cole R, Boone L.Clinical use of blood-derived intra-articular therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have increased in equine athletes due to their proposed disease-modifying effects. Need for a shelf-stable, allogeneic PRP product with known composition for standardized treatment exists. The objective of this study was to compare systemic and local effects of a single intra-articular injection of equine leucoreduced allogeneic pooled freeze-dried PRP (alloPRP) to a placebo control (saline) in normal, healthy equine joints. Unassigned: Twelve healthy horses were randomly assigned to either control (sa...
Bosch K, Zsoldos RR, Hartig A, Licka T.The influence of soft tissue structures, including ligaments spanning one or more intervertebral junctions and the nuchal ligament, on motion of the equine cervical joints remains unclear. The present study addressed this using four post-mortem horse specimens extending from head to withers with all ligaments intact. Three-dimensional kinematics was obtained from markers on the head and bone-anchored markers on each cervical and the first thoracic vertebra during rotation, lateral bending, flexion and extension of the whole head, and neck segment. Yaw, pitch, and roll angles in 8 cervical join...
Korac L, St George L, MacNicol J, McCrae P, Jung L, Golestani N, Karrow N, Cánovas A, Pearson W.Low-dose intra-articular injection of recombinant equine interleukin-1β (reIL-1β) may offer a useful model for studying early onset or subclinical joint inflammation in horses. This pilot study aimed to determine the lowest intra-articular dose of reIL-1β required to produce biochemical evidence of synovitis, and to correlate synovitis biomarkers with functional, upper-body asymmetry parameters. Saline (control) and 50, and 75 ng reIL-1β were injected into the left or right intercarpal joint of three ( = 3) horses in a three-way crossover design. Synovial fluid was collected by aseptic art...
Golestani NG, Paton MP, Ross BR, Wildish AW, Duarte MSD, Williams CAW, Pearson WP.Horses experience rapid physiological, inflammatory, and oxidative responses during exercise. Spirulina, a nutrient-dense microalga with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help modulate these responses and support recovery. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of 30-day dietary Spirulina supplementation on physiological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress responses to moderate-intensity exercise in sedentary horses. We hypothesized that 30-day Spirulina supplementation would modulate hematologic and inflammatory responses and support recovery from moderate-intensity exerc...
Boger B, Naraian M, Hernandez E, Eaton A, Rockburn R, Tillman I, Payne S, Yob C, Panek C, Manfredi JM.Resistance bands used while horses are exercised with their handlers have shown benefits, but it is unknown if whole-body resistance bands used independently have therapeutic benefits. This study hypothesized that horses with varying gait asymmetries would experience improvements in lameness, muscular function, range of motion, posture, and cortisol following short-term use of a whole-body resistance band wrap (RBW). In this study, nine lame adult horses were evaluated with and without the RBW. The assessment included: objective gait analysis, acoustic myography, postural analysis, gait kinema...
Bish-Jones AR, Papich MG, Orsini JA.This study describes the pharmacokinetics of ertapenem, a carbapenem antimicrobial that has not been previously studied in equids. Administered as a 30 mg/kg intravenous bolus to six healthy horses, serial blood and synovial samples were obtained over 8 h after administration. Pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma and synovial fluid was performed. In plasma, the AUC was 353.10 h × μg/mL (CV = 49.02%), Vss 79.34 mL/kg (CV = 22.85%), CL 84.96 mL/h/kg (CV = 31.31%) and t1/2 2.03 h (CV = 15.32%). In synovial fluid, the AUC was 524.10 h × μg/mL (CV = 16.03...
