Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Fracture of Carpal Bone Chip & Slab
Summary
Fractures of the small bones in the carpus (incorrectly called the knee) are very common because of overload of the front surfaces of the bone during intense galloping.
The key is early recognition and removal of fragments before the cycle of chronic arthritis sets in and irreparable damage is done to the joint. Even tiny fractures cause an intense inflammatory process in the joint, which rapidly destroys cartilage and inflames the joint. A cycle of joint inflammation and destruction follows.
The key is early recognition and removal of fragments before the cycle of chronic arthritis sets in and irreparable damage is done to the joint. Even tiny fractures cause an intense inflammatory process in the joint, which rapidly destroys cartilage and inflames the joint. A cycle of joint inflammation and destruction follows.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Depends on severity of injury and how quickly the joint is treated appropriately. Early arthroscopic surgery helps prevent onset of arthritis.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Can I change the way my horse is trained to reduce the likelihood of this problem?
- What will the prognosis difference be with prompt surgery versus not?
Prevention
Select horses with excellent conformation, especially of the carpus. Ensure horses are adequately conditioned for the work performed.