Joint Injections Compared Joint injections using corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (HA) or a combination of the two are commonly used to treat synovitis and arthritis in performance horses. In this study, researchers compared the efficacy of one type of corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetate, TA) with and without HA for the treatment of lameness, localized to one limb only that responded to a diagnostic joint block. Eighty horses of various breeds were enrolled in the study with follow-up at 3 weeks by re-examining the horses and 3 months by an owner questionnaire. No other medications were permitted during the first 3 weeks of follow-up.

Researchers in Canada used cadaver limbs to study the effects of hoof angles and loading patterns on joint surface contact areas in the fetlock. Eight limbs from Standardbred horses that died for reasons unrelated to this study were fitted into a mechanical pendulum device to simulate hoof strike at a trot. Strips of pressure-sensitive film were placed across the joint surfaces inside the fetlock to measure contact areas, and the limb was loaded while simulating flat, toe-first and heel-first landings.

The equine foot is an amazing structure.

When laminitis is a major concern and a damaged hoof wall is restricting blood flow to the laminae and resulting in further inflammation, Amy Rucker says it may be time for a hoof resection.

Because of the typical lack of balance in a low heel and long toe situation, French hoof researcher J.M. Denoix says the foot often loses the ability to restore itself back to normal. This is due to permanent damage to various internal structures such as the way the navicular bone is connected to P2 and P3.