Ultrasound and clinical findings in the metacarpophalangeal joint assessment of show jumping horses in training

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise is known to cause significant joint changes. Thus, monitoring joint behavior of athletic horses is essential in early disorders recognition, allowing the proper management. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the morphological patterns, physical examination characteristics and ultrasound findings of show jumping horses in training and to establish a score-based examination model for physical and ultrasound follow-ups of metacarpophalangeal joint changes in these animals. Methods: A total of 52 metacarpophalangeal joints from 26 horses who were initially in the taming stage were evaluated, and the horses' athletic progression was monitored. The horses were evaluated by a physical examination and by B-mode and Doppler-mode ultrasound examinations, starting at time zero (T0), which occurred concomitantly with the beginning of training, and every 3 months thereafter for a follow-up period of 18 months. Results: The standardized examination model revealed an increase in the maximum joint flexion angles and higher scores on the physical and ultrasound examinations after scoring was performed by predefined assessment tools, especially between 3 and 6 months of evaluation, which was immediately after the horses started more intense training. The lameness score and the ultrasound examination score were slightly higher at the end of the study. Conclusions: The observed results were probably caused by the implementation of a training regimen and joint adaptation to physical conditioning. The joints most likely undergo a preosteoarthritic period due to work overload, which can manifest in a consistent or adaptive manner, as observed during this study. Thus, continuous monitoring of young athlete horses by physical and ultrasound examinations that can be scored is essential.

Elastosonographic features of the metacarpophalangeal joint capsule in horses

“…The radiographic score was assigned based on the evaluation of osteophytosis development in a four-degree system for judgement (0–3), corresponding to a progressive worsening stage of OA [ 12 ]. Osteochondral irregularities, an increased and heterogeneous plica, and an increased thickness of the joint capsule were evaluated to assign the ultrasonographic score using a scale ranging from 0 to 14 points, modified from Yamada and its colleagues [ 13 ] [ Supplementary material ].…”

Effects of oral treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in an experimental model of metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis in horses

“…Although these values were not statistically significant, in clinical practice, even minor angle variations of 2° to 3° degrees can demonstrate joint injury or flexion restriction. Therefore, this variation demonstrates a better condition of the joint in the GT [ 6 , 18 ]. GlcN and CS have been widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in humans with favorable results [ 11 , 26 ].…”

“…All images were stored in a digital system for subsequent evaluation. The ultrasound examinations were analyzed by two evaluators who were not aware of the study groups, according to a predefined scoring chart [ 18 ] (Table 3 ). The final sum of the scores for each parameter was considered.…”

Konkur Atlarında Egzersiz Öncesi ve Sonrası ADAMTS-4 ve ADAMTS-5 Düzeyleri

“…Although maintenance, the feeding and training programs vary according to discipline; the factors that the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and hoofs of the horses are subjected to anatomically are increased due to the intensity of the training and competitions. This makes sports horses more prone to orthopedic problems (1)(2)(3). Spontaneous joint diseases, osteoarthritis (OA), laminitis, tendinitis and, synovitis are the main problems faced by sport horses, resulting in loss of performance and consequently the end of competitive life (1,3,4).…”

“…This makes sports horses more prone to orthopedic problems (1)(2)(3). Spontaneous joint diseases, osteoarthritis (OA), laminitis, tendinitis and, synovitis are the main problems faced by sport horses, resulting in loss of performance and consequently the end of competitive life (1,3,4). Treatment of joint disorders is long, costly, and laborious.…”