Post by IH Health on Jul 30, 2009 16:18:12 GMT 1
Epiphysitis
What is it?
Epiphysitis is the inflammation of the growth plates at the end of long bones that affects youngsters from foals to 2 year olds. It is most commonly seen in the lower ends of the cannon bone or the radius bone.
Causes
Concussion due to hard ground and obesity can cause this injury, as can excess pressure due to poor conformation (uneven loading of weight). Dietary causes are such as an imbalance in the calcium/phosphorus ratio is out (phosphorus too high, calcium to low) or if there is too much protein in the diet. Parasitic infection, muscle disorders or tendon and ligament disorders can also predispose horses to this condition.
Symptoms
• Heat and pain in the joints
• Inflammation of the joints
• Lameness with a stiffened gait
• Angular limb deformity (severe cases)
Treatment
The vet will need to be called to discuss any need to correct the limb posture to avoid the skeleton from growing abnormally. Special boots and shoes may be fitted to help with this process. Staples may be used to slow down growth rate when uneven growth is taking place. The diet also needs to be addressed, as well as reducing weight if the youngster is over weight. The diet needs to be properly balanced with vitamins A, D and calcium being supplemented. The youngster should be removed from permanent hard ground and box rest may be prescribed.
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
Epiphysitis is the inflammation of the growth plates at the end of long bones that affects youngsters from foals to 2 year olds. It is most commonly seen in the lower ends of the cannon bone or the radius bone.
Causes
Concussion due to hard ground and obesity can cause this injury, as can excess pressure due to poor conformation (uneven loading of weight). Dietary causes are such as an imbalance in the calcium/phosphorus ratio is out (phosphorus too high, calcium to low) or if there is too much protein in the diet. Parasitic infection, muscle disorders or tendon and ligament disorders can also predispose horses to this condition.
Symptoms
• Heat and pain in the joints
• Inflammation of the joints
• Lameness with a stiffened gait
• Angular limb deformity (severe cases)
Treatment
The vet will need to be called to discuss any need to correct the limb posture to avoid the skeleton from growing abnormally. Special boots and shoes may be fitted to help with this process. Staples may be used to slow down growth rate when uneven growth is taking place. The diet also needs to be addressed, as well as reducing weight if the youngster is over weight. The diet needs to be properly balanced with vitamins A, D and calcium being supplemented. The youngster should be removed from permanent hard ground and box rest may be prescribed.
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.