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Topic:Lameness
Lameness in horses is a condition characterized by an abnormal gait or stance due to pain or mechanical dysfunction affecting the limbs or spine. It is a common issue in equine practice and can result from a variety of causes, including injury, infection, or degenerative diseases. Lameness can affect a horse's performance and quality of life, making accurate diagnosis and management important for equine health. Diagnostic techniques often include physical examination, imaging, and gait analysis. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the etiology, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for lameness in horses.
Limb fracture during recovery from general anaesthesia: an often tragic complication of equine anaesthesia. A 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare was presented for lameness of the left hindlimb as a result of an apical fracture of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone. The mare was ultimately euthanased after suffering catastrophic fractures of the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones of the contra-lateral hindlimb during an uncoordinated attempt to rise during recovery from general anaesthesia after undergoing arthroscopic surgery. The case report focuses mostly on horse anaesthesia-related mortality, anaesthetic procedure in the horse, possible causes of fractures in horses during recovery and ways in which rate o...
Osseous lesions in the metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal joint diagnosed using low-field magnetic resonance imaging in standing horses. We report the use of low-field standing magnetic resonance imaging in the standing horse for the diagnosis of osseous lesions in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint that were not apparent using standard radiography. Thirteen horses were studied and all had thickening of the subchondral bone plate and abnormal signal intensity in the adjacent spongiosa in either the condyles of metacarpal/metatarsal III or the proximal phalanx or both. Abnormalities were characterized by diffuse decreased signal intensity on T1-weighting adjacent to the subchondral bone and within t...
Magnetic resonance imaging of the initial active stage of equine laminitis at 4.7 T. Equine laminitis is a severely debilitating disease. There is a poor understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, and traditional imaging modalities have limited diagnostic capacity. High field strength magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows direct visualization of the laminae, which other modalities do not. This would prove useful both in assessment of clinical patients and in further investigation into the pathophysiology of the disease. The objective of this study was to characterize the anatomic changes within the equine foot associated with the initial active stage of laminitis. Image...
Evaluation of topically administered diclofenac liposomal cream for treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. To assess the clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of topically administered diclofenac liposomal cream (DLC) in the treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. Methods: 24 horses. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of all horses. Eight horses treated with DLC were given 7.3 g twice daily via topical application. Eight horses treated with phenylbutazone were given 2 g orally once daily. Eight control horses received no treatment. Evaluations included clinical, radiographic, magnetic resonance imaging, synovial fluid, gross...
Evaluation of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or sodium hyaluronan administered intra-articularly for treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. To assess clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) or sodium hyaluronan administered intra-articularly in treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. Methods: 24 horses. Methods: Osteoarthritis was induced arthroscopically in 1 middle carpal joint of all horses. Eight horses received hyaluronan (20 mg) and amikacin (125 mg) intra-articularly on study days 14, 21, and 28. Eight horses received PSGAG (250 mg) and amikacin (125 mg) intra-articularly on study days 14, 21, and 28. Eight control horses received 2 mL of saline (0.9% N...
Use of computed tomography to diagnose new bone formation associated with desmitis of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in third metacarpal or third metatarsal bones of three horses. 3 horses with lameness localized to the proximal aspect of the metacarpus or metatarsus. Results: All horses had evidence of problems that originated from the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament (PASL), including signs of pain on palpation, positive results of diagnostic nerve blocks, ultrasonographic detection of enlargement and diffuse areas of reduced echogenicity in the proximal region of insertion of the ligament, and radiographic detection of increased mineral opacity in the proximal aspect of the metacarpus or metatarsus. Desmitis of the PASL was diagnosed in each horse; however,...
Use of a stand-alone pressure plate for the objective evaluation of forelimb symmetry in sound ponies at walk and trot. Subtle lameness in horses may be difficult to diagnose and methods to evaluate lameness objectively are useful when equine clinicians fail to reach a consensus. The aim of this study was to determine whether equine pressure plate measurements are repeatable when used to calculate forelimb loading (peak vertical pressure [PVP], peak vertical force [PVF], vertical impulse [VI]) and symmetry ratios, and to establish if these data are similar to the 'gold standard' force plate values. Since plate dimensions are relatively small, ponies were used to enable recordings to be taken from both forelimbs...
Complications of unilateral weight bearing. The most common and significant complication of excessive unilateral weight bearing in adult horses is support limb laminitis. Young horses with unilateral lameness problems develop support limb laminitis infrequently compared with adult horses.
Calprotectin in myeloid and epithelial cells of laminae from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis. Laminar inflammation is one of the earliest events in equine laminitis. Calprotectin (CP), a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern protein, is overexpressed in inflammatory conditions of human skin. Objective: CP is overexpressed in the laminar epidermis of horses with black walnut extract (BWE)-induced laminitis. Methods: Twenty adult horses. Methods: Experimental study. Horses were allocated to one of 4 groups. BWE was administered to horses in 3 groups, which were sampled 1.5, 3, and 12 hours (LAM) later. CP was visualized by immunohistochemistry. Laminar leukocyte counts and intensity of lam...
Days lost from training by two- and three-year-old Thoroughbred horses: a survey of seven UK training yards. The first major epidemiological study of injury incidence in the UK flat racing Thoroughbred (TB), published in 1985, found lameness to be the single largest reason for days when horses failed to train. It was considered advisable to ascertain if progress has been made in reducing the problem of musculoskeletal injuries in the intervening period. Objective: To quantify injury incidence and days lost from training by 2- and 3-year-old TBs in UK training yards during 2002 and 2003. Methods: One-hundred-and-eighty-two yearling TBs were recruited at the end of 2001 and daily training and injury re...
Deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone diagnosed by standing magnetic resonance imaging. Erosion of the palmar (flexor) aspect of the navicular bone is difficult to diagnose with conventional imaging techniques. Objective: To review the clinical, magnetic resonance (MR) and pathological features of deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone. Methods: Cases of deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone, diagnosed by standing low field MR imaging, were selected. Clinical details, results of diagnostic procedures, MR features and pathological findings were reviewed. Results: Deep erosions of the palmar aspect of the navicular bone were diagnosed in 16 matu...
Dorsoproximal proximal phalanx osteochondral fragmentation in 117 Warmblood horses. The objective of the present study was to determine clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with dorsoproximal proximal phalanx (P1) fragments in Warmblood horses, as well as to examine their histopathological appearance. One hundred sixty-eight fragments were removed from 150 fetlocks of 117 Warmblood horses. Details of signalment and results of clinical examination were collected prior to surgery. After arthroscopic fragment removal and joint evaluation for synovial and/or cartilage abnormalities, the fragments were measured and evaluated histopathologically. The vast majority o...
Surgical approach for removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses. To describe a surgical approach for the removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments in performance horses and to report the outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=11), 7 months to 10 years of age, with lameness because of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments. Methods: Lameness was localized to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal region by clinical examination or response to diagnostic local anesthesia. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of a nonarticular base sesamoid fragment. Surgical removal was performed with an incision over the base of the affected sesamoi...
Osteochondral fragmentation in the synovial pad of the fetlock in Warmblood horses. To determine clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with fragments in the synovial pad of the fetlock and to characterize their morphology. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Warmblood horses (n=104) with fragment(s) in the synovial pad. Methods: Signalment and results of radiographic and clinical examination were collected before surgery. After arthroscopic fragment removal and joint evaluation for synovial and/or cartilage abnormalities, fragments were measured, and evaluated by histopathology. Results: Synovial pad fragments (n=142) were removed from 127 fetlocks. Two olde...
Locking compression plates for pancarpal arthrodesis in a Thoroughbred filly. To report treatment of a comminuted ulnar carpal (UC) bone fracture associated with carpal instability by pancarpal arthrodesis using 2 locking compression plates (LCP). Methods: Case report. Methods: A 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly. Methods: An UC fracture and luxation of the proximal row of carpal bones was diagnosed radiographically. Pancarpal arthrodesis was performed with 2 LCP positioned dorsolaterally and dorsomedially and centered over the carpus through a single skin incision. The filly was maintained in a full limb cast for 15 days, followed by a tube cast for 14 days, and subsequent...
A comparison of epidural buprenorphine plus detomidine with morphine plus detomidine in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy. To compare the analgesic efficacy of buprenorphine plus detomidine with that of morphine plus detomidine when administered epidurally in horses undergoing bilateral stifle arthroscopy. Methods: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Methods: Twelve healthy adult horses participating in an orthopedic research study. Group M (n = 6) received morphine (0.2 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally; group B (n = 6) received buprenorphine (0.005 mg kg(-1)) and detomidine (0.15 mg kg(-1)) epidurally. Methods: Horses received one of two epidural treatments following induction of...
Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint in four horses. To describe anatomic considerations and arthroscopic technique in horses for arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Adult horses (n=4) with osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar PIP joint. Methods: Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments within the PIP joint was performed with horses in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, lameness, and radiological findings; surgical ...
Magnetic resonance imaging of distal sesamoidean ligament injury. Distal sesamoidean ligament injury is a recognized cause of lameness but diagnosis using ultrasonography is sometimes difficult. Herein, we describe the normal appearance of the distal sesamoidean ligaments on magnetic resonance (MR) images and the changes that occur when the ligaments are injured. The appearance of the distal sesamoidean ligaments on MR images from 66 control horses and 58 horses with distal sesamoidean desmitis were described and the cross-sectional area and signal intensity of the ligaments measured. In control horses, the ligaments had a characteristic appearance and stron...
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide, mepivacaine hydrochloride, or both on lipopolysaccharide-induced lameness in horses. To assess analgesia, inflammation, potency, and duration of action associated with intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), mepivacaine hydrochloride, or both in metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of horses with experimentally induced acute synovitis. Methods: 18 horses. Methods: Both forelimbs of each horse were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 3 times. After the first LPS injection, 1 forelimb of each horse was treated with intra-articular injection of mepivacaine (80 mg; n=6), TA (9 mg; 6), or mepivacaine with TA (same doses of each; 6) 12 hours after the initial LPS i...
Multiple keratomas in an equine foot. A 19-year-old, Arabian gelding was presented for left hindlimb lameness and deviation of the hoof wall. Radiographs revealed a semicircular, radiolucent area in the lateral edge of the distal phalanx. Three distinct keratomas were successfully removed following hoof wall resection. Kératomes multiples sur le pied d’un cheval. Un cheval Arabe hongre âgé de 19 ans a été présenté pour une boiterie du membre postérieur gauche et une déviation de la paroi du sabot. La radiographie a révélé une région semi-circulaire radiotransparente au niveau du bord latéral de la phalange distale....
Analysis of morbidity and mortality data in riding school horses, with special regard to locomotor problems. The incidence of disease, mortality and survival of horses, focusing on locomotor problems, at riding schools were studied, using data from an animal insurance database during 1997-2002. In total 5140 horses from 136 riding schools were included in the analysis. The overall yearly incidence rate (IR) was 1584 events of veterinary care per 10,000 horse-years at risk (HYAR). The total and diagnostic mortalities were 790 and 763 deaths per 10,000 HYAR. Rates varied substantially among riding schools. For locomotor problems the rates were 1116 events of veterinary care and 524 deaths per 10,000 HY...
[Aorto-iliac thrombosis in a gelding: treatment with the anticoagulant Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar)]. A 14-year old Swiss warmblood gelding was presented to the equine hospital of the University of Zurich because of therapy-resistant fever. An intermittent lameness suggested the presence of an intravascular aorto-iliac thrombus which was confirmed sonographically. Subsequently, treatment was initiated with Heparin s.c. and continued for 7 months with Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar). The dosage was monitored and adjusted according to the prothrombin time, which was initially measured every week, and later maximally biweekly. The lameness improved and the regression of the thrombus could be followed s...
Liposome-based diclofenac for the treatment of inflammation in an acute synovitis model in horses. Lameness as a result of joint disease is a major source of decreased athletic performance in the horse. Most treatment protocols include the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Phenylbutazone, alone or in combination with other treatments, is the most commonly and widely used NSAID, however it has the potential for serious side effects. The introduction of the liposome-based formulation of the NSAID diclofenac has shown promising effect as a safe and convenient treatment for lameness associated with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effe...
Thromboxane and isoprostanes as inflammatory and vasoactive mediators in black walnut heartwood extract induced equine laminitis. Inflammation and vascular dysfunction occur concurrently during the prodromal stages of equine laminitis. The aim of this study was to provide insights into the role that thromboxane and isoprostanes may play in the development of black walnut heartwood extract (BWHE)-induced laminitis. Horses were divided into two groups, either control or BWHE-administered horses. Plasma concentrations of thromboxane increased transiently after administration of BWHE and coincided with the nadir in white blood cell counts, whereas plasma concentrations of iso-prostaglandin PGF(2alpha) (iso-PGF(2alpha)) did n...
Extracellular matrix, leukocyte migration and laminitis. The structure and dynamic nature of extracellular matrix is discussed in the context of healthy and diseased tissues particularly the equine digital laminae.
Temporal aspects of laminar gene expression during the developmental stages of equine laminitis. The results of recent studies indicate that inflammatory responses occurring in the early stages of equine laminitis lead to downstream events that eventually result in failure of the bond between the hoof wall and the distal phalanx. In order to gain further insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of laminitis, an equine-specific cDNA microarray consisting of transcripts for more that 3000 genes was used to assess temporal changes in gene expression in laminar tissues at 1.5, 3 and 12 h after administration of either a laminitis-inducing agent (black walnut heartwoo...
Plasma concentrations of endotoxin and platelet activation in the developmental stage of oligofructose-induced laminitis. The link between the fermentation of carbohydrate in the equine large intestine and the development of acute laminitis is poorly understood. Absorption of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) into the plasma has been observed in one experimental model of laminitis, but does not cause laminitis when administered alone. Thus, the potential role of endotoxin is unclear. Platelet activation has previously been demonstrated in the developmental stage of laminitis. Equine platelets are more sensitive than leukocytes to activation by endotoxin, and can be activated directly by LPS in the low pg/ml ran...
Inflammatory and redox status of ponies with a history of pasture-associated laminitis. Inflammatory and redox signals could render lamellar tissue susceptible to damage and contribute to higher risk for laminitis in obese or insulin resistant ponies just as these factors contribute to health risks in humans with metabolic syndrome. This study evaluated circulating markers of inflammatory and redox status in ponies that had a history of recurrent bouts of pasture-associated laminitis (PL, n = 42) or had never developed clinical laminitis (NL, n = 34) under the current management conditions. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between PL and NL ponies for markers of antioxidan...
