Page 375 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• fractures of the proximal or middle phalanx

• joint infection.
VetBooks.ir Osteoarthritis of the PIP joint can also develop secondary to:

•
poor conformation
• osteochondrosis

• certain types of work, e.g. it is relatively common in polo ponies which make sharp turns

and quick stops.

CLINICAL SIGNS

These depend on whether the injury is acute or chronic. There may be:

• swelling in the pastern region which can be localized or diffuse (Figure 8.13)
• heat over the joint

• pain when the joint is flexed or rotated

• variable degrees of lameness.