Page 585 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Because the joint is so small and deep (it only contains about 1ml of synovial fluid), accurate

injection of local anaesthetic close to the joint is only possible with ultrasound guidance.
VetBooks.ir Regional infiltration of local anaesthetic without ultrasound guidance may also alleviate the
pain, but it blocks a larger area and is not specific for sacroiliac joint pain.

SCINTIGRAPHY (BONE SCAN)

This is one of the most commonly used imaging techniques. In acute injuries with bone
damage it is very informative and helps to confirm the diagnosis. However, the results are not

always reliable or conclusive, even with expert interpretation.

ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Ultrasound examination is useful for imaging of the more superficial associated structures,

e.g. the wing of the ileum and the dorsal sacroiliac ligament. The ventral ligaments and joint
margins are examined using a rectal probe.

RADIOGRAPHY

Radiographs are not generally helpful owing to the depth of the joint and the thickness of
overlying muscle and bone.

POST MORTEM EXAMINATION
The significance of degenerative changes of the sacroiliac joint is uncertain as they are found

in many sound horses examined at post mortem.

Treatment

The pain from sacroiliac injuries may arise from 2 sources:
1 inflammation of the ligaments (known as desmitis)

2 joint pain which occurs when there is instability and arthritis of the joint.

The recommended treatment for these conditions varies according to the individual case.

ACUTE AND CHRONIC SACROILIAC LIGAMENT INJURIES

Horses with sacroiliac ligament injuries need an extended period of strict rest and controlled
exercise in order to allow the ligaments to heal. A premature return to work will impair

healing and may lead to chronic disease.

• A 6-week period of strict box rest is recommended for horses with acute injuries.