## Overview Cervical arthritis pain referral describes forelimb lameness or gait abnormality that originates from osteoarthritis of the cervical facet joints rather than from the limb itself. Nerve-root irritation or referred pain pathways produce signs that can mimic shoulder, elbow, or foot pain. The lameness is typically not abolished by distal limb nerve blocks. ## Causes Facet joint osteoarthritis with osteophyte formation and synovial inflammation irritates adjacent nerve roots or generates referred pain. Caudal cervical joints are most often implicated. ## Diagnosis Failure of sequential distal limb blocks to abolish the lameness, combined with neck stiffness or positive response to cervical facet analgesia, supports the diagnosis. Imaging confirms arthropathy. ## Treatment Ultrasound-guided facet injections, systemic anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy address the primary neck pathology. Treating only the limb is ineffective. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses improve once the cervical joints are treated. Recurrence is possible as the arthritis progresses. ## Prevention Same as for cervical facet osteoarthritis; early recognition of neck-related lameness prevents unnecessary limb treatments.
forelimb lameness not improved by distal nerve blocks; neck stiffness; positive response to cervical facet injection; variable muscle atrophy
## Overview Cervical arthritis pain referral describes forelimb lameness or gait abnormality that originates from osteoarthritis of the cervical facet joints rather than from the limb itself. Nerve-root irritation or referred pain pathways produce signs that can mimic shoulder, elbow, or foot pain. The lameness is typically not abolished by distal limb nerve blocks. ## Causes Facet joint osteoarthritis with osteophyte formation and synovial inflammation irritates adjacent nerve roots or generates referred pain. Caudal cervical joints are most often implicated. ## Diagnosis Failure of sequential distal limb blocks to abolish the lameness, combined with neck stiffness or positive response to cervical facet analgesia, supports the diagnosis. Imaging confirms arthropathy. ## Treatment Ultrasound-guided facet injections, systemic anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy address the primary neck pathology. Treating only the limb is ineffective. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses improve once the cervical joints are treated. Recurrence is possible as the arthritis progresses. ## Prevention Same as for cervical facet osteoarthritis; early recognition of neck-related lameness prevents unnecessary limb treatments.
forelimb lameness not improved by distal nerve blocks; neck stiffness; positive response to cervical facet injection; variable muscle atrophy