## Overview Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is the progressive loss of articular cartilage accompanied by changes in the underlying bone and joint capsule. It is one of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses and can affect any joint, though certain joints (hock, coffin, fetlock, stifle) are frequently involved in performance horses. ## Causes Repetitive loading, prior trauma, conformational faults, or developmental joint disease. Inflammation and mechanical stress drive the progression. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, flexion tests, diagnostic analgesia, and imaging (radiographs show osteophytes and joint-space changes; advanced imaging assesses cartilage). ## Treatment Intra-articular medications (corticosteroids, biologics, viscosupplements), systemic anti-inflammatories, shoeing or trimming adjustments, and workload modification. Management rather than cure is the goal. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses remain comfortable and useful for years with appropriate management. Advanced disease eventually limits athletic career length. ## Prevention Early treatment of joint inflammation, balanced shoeing, and sensible training programs.
progressive lameness worse with work; joint effusion; stiffness after rest; reduced range of motion; muscle atrophy in chronic cases
## Overview Degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is the progressive loss of articular cartilage accompanied by changes in the underlying bone and joint capsule. It is one of the most common causes of chronic lameness in horses and can affect any joint, though certain joints (hock, coffin, fetlock, stifle) are frequently involved in performance horses. ## Causes Repetitive loading, prior trauma, conformational faults, or developmental joint disease. Inflammation and mechanical stress drive the progression. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, flexion tests, diagnostic analgesia, and imaging (radiographs show osteophytes and joint-space changes; advanced imaging assesses cartilage). ## Treatment Intra-articular medications (corticosteroids, biologics, viscosupplements), systemic anti-inflammatories, shoeing or trimming adjustments, and workload modification. Management rather than cure is the goal. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses remain comfortable and useful for years with appropriate management. Advanced disease eventually limits athletic career length. ## Prevention Early treatment of joint inflammation, balanced shoeing, and sensible training programs.
progressive lameness worse with work; joint effusion; stiffness after rest; reduced range of motion; muscle atrophy in chronic cases