## Overview Coffin joint disease refers to osteoarthritis or other pathology of the distal interphalangeal joint. It is a common cause of foot lameness in performance horses. Signs range from mild shortened stride and poor performance to marked lameness. Forelimbs are more often affected than hindlimbs. ## Causes Repetitive concussion, conformational faults, prior trauma, or developmental joint disease. Navicular bone changes frequently coexist. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, distal limb flexion, and diagnostic analgesia. Radiographs show osteophytes, joint-space narrowing, or enthesophytes. Advanced imaging further characterizes cartilage and subchondral bone. ## Treatment Intra-articular corticosteroids, biologics, or viscosupplements; systemic anti-inflammatories; corrective shoeing; and workload modification. Prognosis is guarded to fair depending on severity. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses remain useful with management. Advanced disease limits athletic longevity. ## Prevention Balanced shoeing, appropriate footing, and early treatment of foot imbalances.
foot lameness; shortened stride; positive distal limb flexion; occasional coffin joint effusion; poor performance
## Overview Coffin joint disease refers to osteoarthritis or other pathology of the distal interphalangeal joint. It is a common cause of foot lameness in performance horses. Signs range from mild shortened stride and poor performance to marked lameness. Forelimbs are more often affected than hindlimbs. ## Causes Repetitive concussion, conformational faults, prior trauma, or developmental joint disease. Navicular bone changes frequently coexist. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, distal limb flexion, and diagnostic analgesia. Radiographs show osteophytes, joint-space narrowing, or enthesophytes. Advanced imaging further characterizes cartilage and subchondral bone. ## Treatment Intra-articular corticosteroids, biologics, or viscosupplements; systemic anti-inflammatories; corrective shoeing; and workload modification. Prognosis is guarded to fair depending on severity. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses remain useful with management. Advanced disease limits athletic longevity. ## Prevention Balanced shoeing, appropriate footing, and early treatment of foot imbalances.
foot lameness; shortened stride; positive distal limb flexion; occasional coffin joint effusion; poor performance