## Overview Fetlock arthritis and synovitis are inflammation and degenerative change of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint. Joint effusion (windpuffs), shortened stride, and positive flexion tests are common. It is frequent in performance horses and often bilateral. ## Causes Repetitive loading, osteochondral injury, or primary osteoarthritis. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, flexion tests, diagnostic analgesia, radiographs, and ultrasound. ## Treatment Intra-articular medications, systemic anti-inflammatories, rest, and workload modification. Management is ongoing. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to good for comfort with treatment. Advanced osteoarthritis limits athletic use. ## Prevention Sensible training schedules and early treatment of joint inflammation.
joint effusion (windpuffs); shortened stride; lameness worse after work; positive flexion test; often bilateral
## Overview Fetlock arthritis and synovitis are inflammation and degenerative change of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint. Joint effusion (windpuffs), shortened stride, and positive flexion tests are common. It is frequent in performance horses and often bilateral. ## Causes Repetitive loading, osteochondral injury, or primary osteoarthritis. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, flexion tests, diagnostic analgesia, radiographs, and ultrasound. ## Treatment Intra-articular medications, systemic anti-inflammatories, rest, and workload modification. Management is ongoing. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair to good for comfort with treatment. Advanced osteoarthritis limits athletic use. ## Prevention Sensible training schedules and early treatment of joint inflammation.
joint effusion (windpuffs); shortened stride; lameness worse after work; positive flexion test; often bilateral