Osteoarthritis (OA)
Description:
- It is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone changes.
- Causes: Repetitive trauma, overload and aging.
- Symptoms: Lameness, decreased performance and joint stiffness.
- Treatment: Infiltrations with corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, nutritional supplements, polyacrylamide stem cells, PPR and modifications in management and training.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Description:
- Developmental disease that affects cartilage and subchondral bone, resulting in the formation of osteochondral fragments. * Causes: Genetics, inadequate nutrition, and rapid growth.
- Symptoms: Joint swelling, pain, and lameness.
- Treatment: Arthroscopic surgery to remove the fragments, along with nutritional management and training modifications.
Synovitis and Capsulitis
Description:
- Inflammation of the synovial lining and joint capsule, respectively.
- Causes: Trauma, overuse, and injury.
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, and reduced range of motion.
- Treatment: Anti-inflammatories, rest, and physical therapy.
Intra-articular Ligament Injurie
Description:
- Damage to the cruciate (anterior and posterior) and collateral ligaments.
- Causes: Acute trauma, twisting, and sudden movements.
- Symptoms: Severe lameness, joint instability, and pain.
- Treatment: Rest, immobilization, infiltration physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Patellar Dislocation
Description:
- Abnormal displacement of the kneecap outside its trochlear groove.
- Causes: Congenital abnormalities, muscle weakness, and trauma.
- Symptoms: Intermittent limping, locking of the leg in an extended position, and pain.
- Treatment: Physical rehabilitation, muscle strengthening, and in severe cases, surgery.
Fractures
Description:
- Fractures of the bones that make up the kneecap, such as the patella, femur, and tibia.
- Causes: Direct trauma, falls, and blows.
- Symptoms: Acute limping, swelling, and severe pain.
- Treatment: Surgery, immobilization, and long-term rehabilitation.
Meniscal Injuries
Description:
- Damage to the menisci, which are cartilaginous structures that cushion and stabilize the joint
- Causes: Jerking, twisting, and overload.
- Symptoms: Lameness, swelling, and tenderness.
- Treatment: Rest, anti-inflammatory therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Prevention and Management
- Proper Training: Avoid overtraining and provide adequate rest.
- Veterinary Supervision: Regular examinations and monitoring of any signs of lameness or discomfort.
- Nutrition: Balanced diet with sufficient minerals and vitamins to support joint development and health.
- Working Surfaces: Provide adequate and safe surfaces for training and competition.
Proper management and early detection of these pathologies are crucial to maintaining the health and performance of show jumping horses.
Proper management and early detection of these pathologies are crucial to maintaining the health and performance of show jumping horses.
A stifle joint that is not 100% healthy affects jumping performance;
- Reduced Strength and Power: Stifle joint pathologies limit the horse’s ability to generate the force and power needed to jump.
- Pain and Discomfort: Chronic pain can make the horse reluctant to jump, affecting confidence and performance.
- Altered Biomechanics: Biomechanical compensations due to pain or instability can lead to secondary injuries in other parts of the body.
- Loss of Flexibility and Agility: The inability to properly flex and extend the joint directly affects the ability to take off and land accurately.
