Page 351 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

JOINT SPRAINS

VetBooks.ir A sprain occurs when the fibres of the joint capsule or the supporting ligaments are stretched

and torn. It may be mild with just a few disrupted collagen fibrils and limited haemorrhage
into the ligament. Moderate sprains have variable degrees of ligament tearing and some loss

of function, but the ligament remains intact. Severe sprains result in considerable
haemorrhage and possible rupture of a ligament with major disruption to the joint.

Causes

It is usually the result of a twist or wrench when the horse slips or works on uneven ground.

Clinical signs

The symptoms are similar, regardless of which joint is affected. There is:
• heat

• lameness

• distension of the joint capsule due to increased production of synovial fluid

• soft tissue swelling around the joint (Figure 8.5)

• pain and increased lameness when the joint is flexed
• partial or complete dislocation may occur if the ligaments of a joint rupture.