Spontaneous bilateral ankylosis of the carpometacarpal joint in a Paint Horse

Authors
Oosterlinck, M.; Pille, F.; Gasthuys, F.; Saunders, J.H.
Date
September 2009
Journal
Equine Veterinary Education
Volume
21
Number
9
Pages
452-454(3)

An 8-year-old Paint Horse gelding was evaluated for a persistent left forelimb lameness (grade 4/5), with a hard swelling at the dorsomedial aspect of the carpometacarpal joint, due to osteoarthritis. Previous systemic and local anti-inflammatory therapy had only a temporary effect. Partial carpal arthrodesis was suggested, but the owner elected for conservative treatment. The horse was confined to a small paddock and received phytotherapeutic supplementation with Harpagophytum procumbens. The lameness gradually resolved but a similar hard swelling developed on the right carpus. Radiographic follow-up 1.5 years later revealed a spontaneous bilateral ankylosis of the carpometacarpal joint.

Equine
Osteoarthritis
Case study

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