Page 344 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

8

VetBooks.ir JOINT INJURY AND DISEASE

DISEASES OF JOINTS

Horses experience a wide range of joint problems. Joint disease is a common cause of
lameness and ultimately loss of use of the horse, thus early diagnosis and treatment are

essential if these are to be avoided. Examples of joint disease include sprains, degenerative
joint disease and infection.

The structure of a synovial joint

A synovial joint is made up of bones covered with articular cartilage and the soft tissues
which surround it. These include the synovial membrane, joint capsule, ligaments, tendons

and muscle (Figure 8.1).

Figure 8.1 A synovial joint

HYALINE CARTILAGE

The articular surfaces are covered with hyaline cartilage which allows them to glide over one
another with minimal friction when the horse moves. It is made up of collagen fibrils within