Study of pre-osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis progression of metacarpophalangeal joint of athletic horses

Abstract

The occurrence and consequences of osteoarthritis in equine sports medicine are well-known and undeniable. The joint damage, resulting from inflammatory and degenerative processes, is responsible for several economic losses, morbidity and performance failure for athletic horses. There is a growing concern about the recognition of these degenerative processes in initial stages, when it is still possible to prevent the disease development. The initial stages of osteoarthritis are named pre-osteoarthritis and early osteoarthritis. The pre-osteoarthritis is characterized by changes in molecular and cellular processes; however, there are no substantial signs of structural injuries and the horse is symptom free. In fact, it is a phase where the animal shows an imminent risk of developing this disease. A "hidden" transition from healthy cartilage to a biologically changed cartilage has already started in this phase. There is the beginning of the inflammatory process, induction of enzymatic processes and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Meanwhile, the early osteoarthritis appears as a diffuse or focal chondral injury. This early stage may be difficult to detect, since clinical signs may be nonspecific, showing intermittent pain and consequent sporadic lameness. It is important to detect the initial stages of osteoarthritis because the premature therapy could inhibit or delay the degenerative and destructive outcomes of disease, preserving the morphofunctional joint capability and the performance of athletic horses, consequently decreasing the treatment cost. Measurement of specific serum and synovial biomarkers associated with physical examination and diagnostic imaging modalities may be effective to recognize the early stages of osteoarthritis. Thus, this study aims to explore the occurrence of pre-osteoarthritis and the progression of early osteoarthritis stages in jumping horses through analysis of metacarpophalangeal joint. For these purpose, physical exam, biomarkers, radiography and ultrasonography will be used aiming to find out the osteoarthritis in its distinct stages, so creating a future opportunity to modify the course of this disease. (AU)