Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Degenerative joint disease with osteochondrosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in young horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1982
- Authors:
- Trotter, G W et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a study involving six young horses, all three years old or younger, degenerative joint disease was found in nine joints located in their hind legs. Five of these joints showed signs of osteochondrosis, which is a condition where the cartilage doesn't develop properly. All the horses experienced lameness and swelling around the affected areas. One horse had to be put to sleep due to severe lameness, and a closer look at its joint tissues showed both osteochondrosis and serious arthritis. Two horses underwent surgery to fuse the affected joint, and one of them recovered well and became sound.
Abstract
Degenerative joint disease of the proximal interphalangeal joint was diagnosed in 9 joint of 6 horses. All of the horses were 3 years old or younger and the affected joints were in the hindlimbs. Radiographic evidence of osteochondrosis involving the distal end of the proximal phalanx was apparent in 5 joints. Lameness and local soft tissue swelling were prominent in all cases. In 1 horse euthanatized tissues because of lameness, histologic examination of joint tissues revealed osteochondrosis as well as severe osteoarthritis. Surgical arthrodesis of the affected joint was performed on 2 horses, one of which became sound.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7096172/