Page 301 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

ULTRASONOGRAPHY

This is a useful tool for detecting any damage to the collateral ligaments. It is also used to
VetBooks.ir assess the degree of distension of the joint capsule.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

MRI is a very useful tool for evaluating the coffin joint and the associated ligaments.

Arthroscopy and scintigraphy may also be helpful.

Synovitis

This is the commonest cause of coffin joint pain. The synovial membrane of the joint
becomes inflamed and produces an increased amount of synovial fluid. Symptoms include:

• mild to moderate lameness

• distension of the joint capsule.

TREATMENT

This includes:
• correction of any foot imbalance with appropriate trimming and shoeing

• intra-articular medication with hyaluronan, or hyaluronan plus a corticosteroid

• controlled exercise following the intra-articular medication, as recommended by your
vet.

PROGNOSIS

The prognosis for return to soundness is reasonable if the condition is diagnosed and treated
before degenerative changes develop in the articular surface of the joint.

Osteoarthritis

Once degenerative changes that are visible on X-rays occur within the joint, the lameness is
likely to become more severe and less responsive to intra-articular medication (Figure 6.61).

Some horses are able to remain in work with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as phenylbutazone. The prognosis for remaining sound is guarded.