Equine Orthopaedics and Rheumatology Q&A 10

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A 10-year old Quarterhorse roping gelding presented for sudden onset lameness of the left forelimb. An arthroscopic view of the left midcarpal joint is illustrated.

Question	Answer		Article
What lesion is present?	Cartilage loss/erosion on the medial palmar aspect of the distal articular surface of the radial carpal bone.		Link to Article
What is the likely diagnosis?	Osteoarthritis of the left mid-carpal joint.		Link to Article
What would be the best approach to treating this horse?	The defect, which was confined to the medial aspect of the radial carpal bone, could be debrided. In addition, the joint could be treated intra-articularly with hyaluronan or poly-sulphated glycosaminoglycan, supplemented with systemic therapy with these drugs and possibly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.		Link to Article
What is your prognosis?	When osteoarthritis is present and appears to have occurred insidiously, the prognosis is guarded. Even if the problem is resolved in the short term, the owner needs to be warned that the lameness could recur at any time, and on subsequent occasions it may be refractory to further treatment.		Link to Article