## Overview Cervical osteoarthritis produces a range of effects beyond local joint pain. These include reduced range of motion, multifidus atrophy, nerve-root compression or irritation leading to forelimb lameness or gait deficits, and compensatory changes in posture and topline musculature. The caudal cervical joints are most often clinically significant. ## Causes Progressive cartilage loss and osteophyte formation alter joint mechanics and can narrow intervertebral foramina. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs correlated with imaging and, when indicated, diagnostic analgesia or advanced imaging to assess foraminal narrowing. ## Treatment Facet injections, anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation to restore mobility and muscle support, and workload adjustment address the effects. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses return to useful work. Progressive disease may eventually limit athletic career length. ## Prevention Early intervention for stiffness and maintenance of neck strength slow clinical progression.
neck stiffness; muscle atrophy; forelimb lameness unresponsive to distal blocks; reduced performance; altered head carriage
## Overview Cervical osteoarthritis produces a range of effects beyond local joint pain. These include reduced range of motion, multifidus atrophy, nerve-root compression or irritation leading to forelimb lameness or gait deficits, and compensatory changes in posture and topline musculature. The caudal cervical joints are most often clinically significant. ## Causes Progressive cartilage loss and osteophyte formation alter joint mechanics and can narrow intervertebral foramina. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs correlated with imaging and, when indicated, diagnostic analgesia or advanced imaging to assess foraminal narrowing. ## Treatment Facet injections, anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation to restore mobility and muscle support, and workload adjustment address the effects. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses return to useful work. Progressive disease may eventually limit athletic career length. ## Prevention Early intervention for stiffness and maintenance of neck strength slow clinical progression.
neck stiffness; muscle atrophy; forelimb lameness unresponsive to distal blocks; reduced performance; altered head carriage