Equine Joint Disease

Question 1

What is the total nucleated cell count of synovitis with septic arthritis in a horse?

Answer 1

<30x10^9 cells/l

Question 2

What is the total nucleated cell count of synovial fluid with synovitis in a horse?

Answer 2

<10 x 10^9 cells/L

Question 3

What are the two main presentations of septic arthritis in horses?

Answer 3

Foals with bacteraemia
Any horse with a penetrating injury

Question 4

Describe the aetiology of septic arthritis

Answer 4

Bacterial inoculation
Synovial hypertrophy
Fibrin formation
Cartilage breakdown
Synovial membrane permeability increases
PMN influx phagocytosis then apoptosis

Question 5

What are three treatment options of septic arthritis?

Answer 5

Arthroscopic lavage
Needle flush
Intra-articular anti-microbials

Question 6

What age of horse is affected by osteochondrosis, OCD and bone cysts?

Answer 6

Young horse 2m-2y

Question 7

What does OCD stand for in horses?

Answer 7

Osteochondritic dissecans

Question 8

List two treatments for OCD in horses

Answer 8

Surgical removal of fragments
Arthroscopic

Question 9

List three treatments to subchondral bone cysts

Answer 9

Surgical debridement
Trans lesional screw
Intra lesional corticosteroids

Question 10

List five factors that will affect osteoarthritis lameness

Answer 10

Exercise routine
Confinement/box rest
Cold Weather
Body weight
Farriery

Question 11

How does intra-articular corticosteroids work to reduce lameness?

Answer 11

PPL A2 inhibitors reduce arachidonic acid production, reducing inflammation mediators from the synovium

Question 12

List four functions of intra-articular hyaluronate

Answer 12

Lubricant
Anti-inflammatory properties
Modest analgesia
DMOAD effects

Question 13

How do intramuscular polysulphated glycosaminoglycans work to reduce lameness?

Answer 13

Inhibits catabolic enzymes