Page 409 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• Lameness may be caused or increased by flexion of the joint.

• Heat may be present.
VetBooks.ir

Figures 9.2a and b Bog spavin: effusion of the tarsocrural joint, a) bog spavin; b) very large bog spavin

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is made on the clinical signs. If an underlying lesion is suspected, any of the
following diagnostic procedures may also be used:

• radiography, which is necessary to detect OCD lesions, any osteoarthritic changes or a
fracture

• ultrasonography

• examination of the joint fluid

• intra-articular nerve blocks may be helpful if the horse is lame
• scintigraphy

• arthroscopy

• CT or MRI scan.