Joint Diseases

Cause of poor performance and premature decease

Joint disease is a significant factor in poor performance and economic loss with athletic horses. It may also contribute to a horse's premature death.

Joint inflammation

Everyday use, training, or performance may result in trauma or stress at the joint. Repeated exposure to these factors often initiates inflammation in the synovial membrane and joint capsule. The resulting symptoms are lameness, swelling, and heat.

As a result of the inflamed synovial membrane, leukocytes invade the joint space. Both synovial membrane and leukocytes release destructive enzymes, free radicals, cytokines, and prostaglandins. Left untreated, these inflammatory mediators have a destructive effect upon the cartilage.

Cartilage degradation

Leaving joint inflammation untreated results in erosion of the cartilage which eventually leads to significant cartilage damage. The damage progresses and develops into degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis. DJD cannot be cured, only managed, and often leads to a premature death of the horse.

Prevention and treatment

The primary key to successful prevention is a balanced diet so that cartilage, muscles, and ligaments are supplied with sufficient nutrients. The second key is adequate exercise which stimulates metabolic exchange and thus the delivery of nutrients into the joints. Ongoing damage can by limited by the early recognition of symptoms and prompt treatment.

To prevent irreparable destruction of cartilage, the treatment of joint disease has to start early. Therapeutic objectives include limiting inflammation and blocking the release of destructive inflammatory mediators.