Joint Disorders

Joint disorders are among the most common causes of lameness in horses.

Bone chips and OCD fragments (fragments which develop during growth) act like “sand in the gears” and can be very painful. Cysts, cartilage degeneration and joint infections also lead to joint inflammation and are common causes of pain.

If conservative treatment with medication and rest is unsuccessful, arthroscopy is performed in the majority of cases. This minimally invasive procedure (keyhole surgery) offers the opportunity to view the inside of the joint and to assess the cartilage and soft tissue (joint capsule and its villi). Disruptive fragments can be removed, cartilage can be treated and the joint can be flushed.