Evaluation of iatrogenic hemarthrosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint as a method of induction of temporary reversible lameness in horses.
Abstract: To determine whether iatrogenic hemarthrosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint could be used as a model for temporary reversible joint pain in horses. Methods: 8 adult horses. Methods: Each horse was evaluated on a treadmill before and after injection of 1 metacarpophalangeal joint with 10 mL of autogenous blood. Horses were evaluated subjectively and objectively by use of a computerized force measurement system at intervals until lameness abated. The mean force difference between injected and noninjected limbs at all time periods after injection was compared with the difference between limbs at baseline. From each horse, synovial fluid samples collected before and 24 hours and 30 days after injection were analyzed for total protein concentration and cell type and number. Venous blood samples were collected before and 6 and 24 hours after injection for assessment of plasma cortisol concentration. Results: For 24 hours after injection, the mean force difference between injected and noninjected limbs was significantly increased over baseline. The greatest force difference was detected after 2 and 4 hours. Baseline and 24-hour force data were not significantly different. Compared with baseline values, synovial fluid protein concentration and nucleated cell and RBC counts were increased significantly at 24 hours after injection but were not different at 30 days after injection. No significant changes in plasma cortisol concentration were detected at any time point. Conclusions: In horses, iatrogenic hemarthrosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint appears to induce temporary reversible lameness with a mild to moderate degree of synovitis.
Publication Date: 2005-07-13 PubMed ID: 16008235DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.1084Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research is investigating whether artificially induced bleeding in the joint area of a horse’s hoof can be a usable model for temporary joint pain. The study was conducted on 8 adult horses and the results suggest that this induced condition can cause temporary lameness accompanied with mild to moderate inflammation.
Research Methodology
- The study was performed on 8 adult horses.
- The researchers applied a specific method to induce temporary joint pain, iatrogenic hemarthrosis, which involves injecting autogenous (own) blood into the metacarpophalangeal joint (a joint in the lower limb).
- The horses were evaluated both before and after the injections on a treadmill using a computerized force measurement system.
- This evaluation was done at intervals until the lameness subsided.
- The research team compared the force difference between the injected limb and noninjected limb at different time periods after the injection with baseline (before injection).
- Synovial fluid samples (fluid which lubricates the joints) and venous blood samples were analyzed at various points before and after the injection. The synovial fluid was assessed for protein content and cell type and number, while the blood samples were examined for cortisol concentration (a hormone released due to stress).
Results and Conclusion
- For 24 hours after the injection, there was a notable increase in the force difference between the injected and noninjected limbs as compared to the baseline.
- The most significant force difference was detected right after 2 and 4 hours of the injection.
- The force data collected 24 hours post-injection was not significantly different from the baseline data.
- The protein concentration and nucleated cell and red blood cell counts in synovial fluid increased significantly 24 hours post-injection compared to the baseline, but returned to normal after 30 days.
- There were no noticeable changes in the blood cortisol concentrations.
- The findings of the study suggest that iatrogenic hemarthrosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint in horses can lead to temporary reversible lameness accompanied by mild to moderate inflammation of the synovial membrane (synovitis).
Cite This Article
APA
Judy CE, Galuppo LD.
(2005).
Evaluation of iatrogenic hemarthrosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint as a method of induction of temporary reversible lameness in horses.
Am J Vet Res, 66(6), 1084-1089.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.1084 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8747, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Disease Models, Animal
- Evaluation Studies as Topic
- Hemarthrosis / complications
- Hemarthrosis / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
- Horses
- Iatrogenic Disease / veterinary
- Joints / pathology
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Lameness, Animal / physiopathology
- Proteins / metabolism
- Synovial Fluid / metabolism
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Smit Y, Marais HJ, Thompson PN, Mahne AT, Goddard A. Clinical findings, synovial fluid cytology and growth factor concentrations after intra-articular use of a platelet-rich product in horses with osteoarthritis. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2019 May 23;90(0):e1-e9.
- Lamb L, Zubrod C, Hague B, Brakenhoff J, Major M. Clinical outcome of collateral ligament injuries of the tarsus. Can Vet J 2012 May;53(5):518-24.
- Tokateloff N, Carmalt J, Manning S. Trauma resulting in hemarthrosis and long medial collateral ligament desmitis of the tarsocrural joint in a horse. Can Vet J 2011 May;52(5):519-23.
- Watts AE, Nixon AJ, Reesink HL, Cheetham J, Fubini SL, Looney AL. Continuous peripheral neural blockade to alleviate signs of experimentally induced severe forelimb pain in horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011 Apr 15;238(8):1032-9.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
