Alcohol-facilitated ankylosis of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints in horses with osteoarthritis

Abstract

Intra-articular alcohol injection in horses with bone spavin resulted in a rapid (usually within 3 months) reduction in lameness and joint space collapse.

Use of ethanol in the treatment of distal tarsal joint osteoarthritis: 24 cases

“…The use of ethanol at 2 different concentrations was based on findings from Shoemaker et al [12] where a 95% concentration of ethanol appeared to produce a higher rate of joint fusion than 70%. This was in contrast to superior results obtained with 70% solutions in clinical cases as reported by Carmalt et al [13]. Our poor initial results obtained using 100% ethanol made us discontinue its use.…”

“…Since the publication of Shoemaker's report [12], ethanol has been used to treat this condition, and the presentations by Bell et al [14] and Carmalt and Wilson [13] reported much better outcomes than those obtained in our study. We essentially followed the same treatment protocol, but a difference in population size, type, clinical history and the longer-term follow-up of our cases might account for this difference.…”

“…Importantly, this report described histological evidence of ankylosis 12 months after injection and reported no associated significant complications or discomfort. The results of its use in 11 clinical cases of distal tarsal OA were reported in 2009 with 100% success for reduction in lameness at 12 months [13] and, in a separate study, 16 of 16 horses demonstrated short to medium term improvement [14].…”

Osteoarthritis in horses - Part 2: a review of the intra-articular use of corticosteroids as a method of treatment

“…Nevertheless, several medications are used intra-articularly, such as COs, hyaluronic acid (HA)/sodium hyaluronate (SH)/hyaluronate (HA), polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, sodium pentosan polysulfate, sodium chondroitin sulfate, somatostatin, N-acetyl- D-glucosamine, radiation synovectomy, dextrose prolotherapy, keratan sulfate orgotein, saline for washout, silicone, mucopolysaccharide polysulfuric acid ester, chloroquine, lactic acid solution, amikacin, gentamicin morphine, autologous serum, platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow or adipose stromal vascular fraction, gene therapy using IL-1 antagonists, and ethanol. In addition, studies have used a topical liposomal formulation that contains diclofenac, lyophilized products from green-lipped mussel, extracorporeal shockwave, acupuncture, magnetic field, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy, manual therapy, aquatic physical therapy and nutraceuticals food suplement (Uthman et al 2003;Caron 2005;Revenaugh 2005;Carmona et al 2007;Frisbie et al 2009;Goodrich and Nixon 2006;Santos et al 2009;Lindegaard et al 2010;Cayzer et al 2011;Kawcak et al 2011;Baccarin et al, 2012;McIIwraith et al 2011McIIwraith et al , 2012aCarmalt et al 2012;Lamas et al 2012;Vanderweerd et al 2012;Frisbie et al 2013;King et al 2013;Neuman et al 2013;Ferris et al 2014;Koenig et al 2014, de Grawn et al 2016. The use of controlled physical activity, as a complementary treatment, possibly improves the comfort level of the horse and decreases the inflammatory process (Kerbyson et al 2013).…”

Science‐in‐brief: Clinical highlights from BEVA Congress 2012

“…However, several studies have demonstrated significant pain post injection with monoiodoacetate, and subsequently the technique has recently fallen out of favour. Intra‐articular injection of ethanol is a suitable treatment option for pain associated with the distal tarsal joints but contrast radiography should be used to ensure that there is no communication with the tibiotarsal joint.…”