Page 183 - Speedhorse February 2020

Many of these variations in knee conformation are genetically linked, so selection of both mare and stallion is important to maximize optimum structural features.
tissue are often best left alone although some may require stabilization through arthroscopic surgery to reduce and compress the fragments.
Acute Carpitis
Acute injury to any of the multiple joints within the carpus (carpitis) can set off a cascade of inflammatory events. Radiographic and ultrasound imaging are excellent diagnostic tools to determine the extent of injury to
bone and soft tissues. Rapid intervention
helps to reduce internal damage within the joint. Treatment with cold therapy, systemic and local non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and rest help manage acute inflammation. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery assesses the cartilage interface as well
as soft tissue structures and makes it possible to flush the injured joint to reduce concentrations of inflammatory enzymes.
Soft Tissue Injury
Not all injuries within the carpus are related to internal joint or bone problems. Soft tissue structures within and around the carpus can experience injury: the superficial digital flexor tendon, the carpal canal and digital sheath,
the proximal suspensory ligaments, and the intercarpal ligaments that bind the bones of the carpal joints to one another. Soft tissue injury is best identified with diagnostic ultrasound and/or MRI imaging.
Carpal Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative condition. The most effective efforts at management of OA are aimed
at modification of the disease process and helping the horse deal with the symptoms of debilitation. This is usually achieved using anti-inflammatory medications, and systemic and intra-articular (IA) administration.
The horse’s carpus plays an important role in locomotion and athletic prowess. It is also suscep- tible to injury in a myriad of ways ranging from conformational abnormalities to repetitive-use injury to traumatic impact. Ideally, any inflam- matory condition within the carpal area should be recognized and addressed as early as possible with your veterinarian’s help to waylay the
onset of osteoarthritis.
VETERINARY VIEWS
SPEEDHORSE, February 2020 181
Not all injuries within the carpus are related to internal joint or bone problems. Soft tissue structures within and around the carpus can experience injury. This type of injury is best identified with ultrasound and/or MRI imaging.