Decision making in the diagnosis and management of bone spavin in horses

Abstract

BONE spavin is one of the more common causes of chronic hindlimb lameness in mature horses. Achieving a definitive diagnosis and identifying the best method of treatment are perceived as problem areas. This article describes the diagnostic signs and tests that the authors find most useful and discusses the various treatment options.

Kinematics of the hind limb in trotting horses after induced lameness of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints and intra-articular administration of anesthetic

“…2,4,6,15 Decreased hoof height and limb protraction have been described for a single horse with arthritis of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints. 11 Our findings after endotoxin-induced lameness are in agreement with reports for tarsal joint lameness of decreased limb protraction 2,4,6,11,15 but in opposition to reports of reduced hoof height 2,4,6,11,22 and decreased tarsal joint flexion. 2,6 We found that hind limb protraction consistently decreased with tarsal joint lameness but did not find that hoof height or tarsal joint flexion decreased.…”

“…The gait in horses with distal tarsal joint lameness has been subjectively characterized as having reduced hoof height during swing, 2,4,6,11,22 decreased tarsal joint flexion, 2,6 and a shortened cranial phase of the stride. 2,4,6,15 Decreased hoof height and limb protraction have been described for a single horse with arthritis of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The degree of lameness varies from subtle performance-limiting lameness to persistent severe lameness. The most common reason for lameness associated with distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints is degenerative joint disease or bone spavin.…”

“…Advocated medical treatments include continued exercise, 2 systemic administration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, 15 systemic administration of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, 3 systemic and intra-articular administration of sodium hyaluronate, 15 corrective shoeing, 2,4,5,7,15 and chemical arthrodesis. 7,16 Advocated surgical treatments include surgical arthrodesis, 6,17,18 cunean tenectomy, 1,6,15 and partial tibial and deep peroneal neurectomy.…”

Musculoskeletal Injuries in Nonracing Quarter Horses

“…Radiographs of the tarsi may reveal pathologic changes ranging from mild osteophytosis to marked exostosis, areas of subchondral sclerosis and lysis, and narrowing or intermittent loss of joint spaces. There is poor correlation between the degree of lameness and the severity of radiographic abnormality [46]. In some cases, particularly in young horses or more acute cases, radiographs appear normal.…”