## Overview Deep hip pathology encompasses disease or injury affecting the coxofemoral joint or surrounding deep structures that is not readily apparent on routine examination. It may include osteoarthritis, ligament injury, or fracture-related damage and typically produces deep-seated hind-limb lameness. ## Causes Trauma, developmental disease, or degenerative change. Often part of a larger pelvic injury complex. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, manipulation, radiographs, and advanced imaging (ultrasound, scintigraphy, or computed tomography). Intra-articular analgesia can help localize pain. ## Treatment Depends on the specific lesion: rest and anti-inflammatories for mild osteoarthritis; surgical options are limited for most deep hip injuries in adult horses. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded for significant pathology. Many horses are managed for comfort rather than return to high-level work. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance.
deep-seated hind-limb lameness; abnormal limb rotation; pain on deep hip manipulation; imaging abnormalities
## Overview Deep hip pathology encompasses disease or injury affecting the coxofemoral joint or surrounding deep structures that is not readily apparent on routine examination. It may include osteoarthritis, ligament injury, or fracture-related damage and typically produces deep-seated hind-limb lameness. ## Causes Trauma, developmental disease, or degenerative change. Often part of a larger pelvic injury complex. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, manipulation, radiographs, and advanced imaging (ultrasound, scintigraphy, or computed tomography). Intra-articular analgesia can help localize pain. ## Treatment Depends on the specific lesion: rest and anti-inflammatories for mild osteoarthritis; surgical options are limited for most deep hip injuries in adult horses. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded for significant pathology. Many horses are managed for comfort rather than return to high-level work. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance.
deep-seated hind-limb lameness; abnormal limb rotation; pain on deep hip manipulation; imaging abnormalities