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The use of intra-articular corticosteroids in the horse: what is known on a scientific basis?
Abstract: Intra-articular use of corticosteroids has become a recent focus (or re-focus) of attention in the Thoroughbred racing industry. This manuscript reviews the clinical use and scientific basis of intra-articular corticosteroid administration including catastrophic injury, articular cartilage degradation and the development of osteoarthritis (OA), as well as the timing of injection relative to racing.
Publication Date: 2010-08-19 PubMed ID: 20716199DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00095.xGoogle 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.
- Journal Article
- Review
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.
This article discusses the scientific basis of using intra-articular corticosteroids in equine medicine, specifically in the context of thoroughbred horse racing. It examines the impact of these corticosteroids on catastrophic injury, cartilage degradation, and osteoarthritis development, and the relation of the injection timing to racing schedules.
Overview of Intra-Articular Corticosteroids
Intra-articular corticosteroids are medications injected directly into a joint to relieve inflammation and pain. Their use in horses, particularly those involved in thoroughbred racing, is controversial due to possible negative outcomes such as:
- Increased risk of catastrophic injury
- Degradation of articular cartilage
- Development of osteoarthritis (OA)
Catastrophic Injury
One of the primary concerns with intra-articular corticosteroid use in horses is the potential risk of catastrophic injury. The treatment may provide horses with temporary relief from discomfort, but it may simultaneously mask symptoms of severe conditions, leading to unexpected and severe injuries during races.
Articular Cartilage Degradation
The research article also examines the impact of steroids on the degradation of articular cartilage. Continuous steroid use may gradually wear out the cartilage that helps cushion joints, potentially making the animals more susceptible to injuries.
Development of Osteoarthritis
The chronic use of corticosteroids in horses can potentially contribute to the development of OA. With repeated injections, the joint inflammation decreases but the health of the cartilage can deteriorate over time, ultimately leading to OA.
Timing of Injection Relative to Racing
This paper sheds light on the timing of corticosteroid injections relative to races. Although immediate performance-enhancing effects can be advantageous, the potentially damaging long-term health implications need to be considered for the overall wellbeing of the animals.
The article aims to provide a scientific basis for understanding the use of intra-articular corticosteroids in horses and its implications on their health and performance in racing.
Cite This Article
APA
McIlwraith CW.
(2010).
The use of intra-articular corticosteroids in the horse: what is known on a scientific basis?
Equine Vet J, 42(6), 563-571.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00095.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Gail Holmes, Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Colorado State University, USA. wayne.mcilwraith@colostate.edu
MeSH Terms
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horses
- Injections, Intra-Articular
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Maldonado MD, Parkinson SD, Story MR, Haussler KK. The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Limb Lameness and Concurrent Axial Skeleton Pain and Dysfunction in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 19;12(20).
- Tellegen A, Beukers M, Rudnik-Jansen I, van Klaveren N, How KL, Woike N, Mihov G, Thies J, Teske E, Creemers L, Tryfonidou M, Meij B. Intra-Articular Slow-Release Triamcinolone Acetonide from Polyesteramide Microspheres as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis. Pharmaceutics 2021 Mar 11;13(3).
- Vendruscolo CDP, Moreira JJ, Seidel SRT, Fülber J, Neuenschwander HM, Bonagura G, Agreste FR, Baccarin RYA. Effects of medical ozone upon healthy equine joints: Clinical and laboratorial aspects. PLoS One 2018;13(5):e0197736.
- Momota Y, Yasuda J, Ikezawa M, Sasaki J, Katayama M, Tani K, Miyabe M, Onozawa E, Azakami D, Ishioka K, Sako T. Proliferative and necrotizing otitis externa in a kitten: successful treatment with intralesional and topical corticosteroid therapy. J Vet Med Sci 2017 Jan 10;78(12):1883-1885.
- Li Y, Wang Y, Chubinskaya S, Schoeberl B, Florine E, Kopesky P, Grodzinsky AJ. Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 and dexamethasone on cytokine-challenged cartilage: relevance to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2015 Feb;23(2):266-74.
- Huleatt JB, Campbell KJ, Laprade RF. Nonoperative treatment approach to knee osteoarthritis in the master athlete. Sports Health 2014 Jan;6(1):56-62.
- McIlwraith CW, Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE. The horse as a model of naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Bone Joint Res 2012 Nov;1(11):297-309.
- Yu R, Jusko WJ. Meta-Analysis and Mechanism-Based Modeling of Synovial and Plasma Pharmacokinetics and Adrenal Suppression Following Intra-Articular Injection of Methylprednisolone Acetate in Horses. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2025 Jul;48(4):260-273.
- Guidoni K, Chiaradia E, Pepe M, Di Meo A, Tognoloni A, Seccaroni M, Beccati F. The Combined Use of Triamcinolone and Platelet-Rich Plasma in Equine Metacarpophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis Treatments: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study. Animals (Basel) 2024 Dec 17;14(24).
- Bensa A, Salerno M, Moraca G, Boffa A, McIlwraith CW, Filardo G. Intra-articular corticosteroids for the treatment of osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the comparison of different molecules and doses. J Exp Orthop 2024 Jul;11(3):e12060.
- Serpieri M, Bonaffini G, Ottino C, Quaranta G, Manassero L, Mauthe VON Degerfeld M. Conservative treatment of a synovial cyst in a golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) with triamcinolone acetonide. J Vet Med Sci 2024 May 25;86(5):592-595.
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