Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Intra-articular corticosteroid- and exercise-induced arthropathy in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1984
- Authors:
- Owen, R A et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this case, a horse with a fractured bone in one leg received repeated injections of a medication called methylprednisolone acetate into both of its intercarpal joints (the joints between the carpal bones in the wrist area). Over time, the horse developed joint problems in the injured area due to the ongoing use of this medication and exercise. Tests on the joint fluid showed changes that indicated the health of the joints, with a notable decrease in a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is important for joint lubrication. After 175 days, an examination after the horse was euthanized revealed damage to the cartilage in the affected joint. Overall, the treatment led to joint issues, highlighting the risks of long-term corticosteroid use in horses.
Abstract
Methylprednisolone acetate was injected repeatedly into both intercarpal joints of a horse that had a 3rd carpal bone fracture in 1 limb. Synovial fluid from intercarpal and radiocarpal joints of both limbs were obtained serially for study. Arthropathy developed in the fractured joint following prolonged corticosteroid therapy and exercise. In the corticosteroid-injected normal joint, the hyaluronic acid concentration initially decreased, then increased. A depletion in cartilage matrix was seen at necropsy, 175 days after onset of treatment. Determination of total protein content in synovial fluid gave the earliest indication of impending arthropathy, but viscosity studies in association with determination of hyaluronic acid concentration gave a definitive assessment of joint integrity.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6698863/