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| The Trouble with Joint Inflammation | A Look at Equine Joint Disease |
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Equine Joint Disease Is A Progressive Process That Can Happen To Any Horse
An injury can trigger its onset, however, joint disease more commonly appears after repeated episodes of stress and trauma to the joint, especially in equine athletes.
HOW DOES JOINT DISEASE PROGRESS?
Normal Joint Fluid
Synovial fluid, which fills the healthy joint cavity, keeps the joint lubricated and protects against friction. |
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Early Joint Damage
With recurring wear, tear, trauma or injury, the synovial membrane that lines the cavity responds by becoming inflamed. Fluid, inflammatory cells and mediators infiltrate the joint, which thins and degrades the synovial fluid. |
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Progressive Destruction
Without treatment, repeated inflammation of a joint and the destructive results can erode the cartilage and lead to progressive joint disease, advanced joint degeneration and severe lameness. |
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