Large Animal Osteoarthritis: Diagnostics and Treatments Flashcards
name the components of the joint that are affected with OA and associated diagnostics
- subchondral bone: radiograph, CT, US, MRI, nuclear medicine
- articular cartilage (hyaline): radiographs (indirect), US, MRI, CT (indirect via contrast), arthroscopy!
- joint capsule/supporting ligaments: US, MRI, arthroscopy, synoviocentesis
- synovial membrane:
- synovial fluid: US, synoviocentesis, arthroscopy
identify diagnostic tools that can be used to identify OA in a clinical patient and explain the benefits of each
- static palpation: feel for pain, effusion, and range of motion
- dynamic: use different surfaces, straight lines/circles, and faits to exacerbate lameness
- flexion tests: change in lameness and ROM after?
- diagnostic analgesia: nerve and joint blocks
explain the difference in disease versus symptom modifying treatments
disease modifying: directly slows or reverses the progression of disease (ex. arthroscopy to remove an osteochondral fragment)
symptom modifying: improves function and decreases the clinical signs of the disease (ex. oral phenylbutazone to improve lameness)
describe the spectrum of treatment options for a large animal with OA
broad! depending on money and communication
- medical:
-systemic (NSAIDs: bute, banamine, firocoxib, acetaminophen; SYMPTOM MODIFYING),
-or local
-(joint health, hyaluronic acid, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (disease AND symptom modifying)
-topical NSAIDs, intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid; (symptom modifying)
- shoeing: lessen concussive forces, add stability, increase balance, provide hoof leverage but regular shoeing/trimming intervals are key! (symptom modifying)
- surgical: arthroscopy, implant placement, arthrodesis/ankylosis (fuse joints)- disease and symptom modifying
- rehabilitation: exercise or other modalities