Gonitis
Gonitis is the inflammation of stifle joint. It may be acute or chronic. It is more common in bullocks than in horses. The stifle joint includes the kneecap and its ligaments and is the most complex joint in the horse. When the stifle apparatus is working properly the horse is inherently stable, but trauma, rapid changes in direction, and rapid deceleration create pressure that may lead to injury.
Because of the size and relatively open structure of the stifle, swelling often develops in the joint. When the swelling is accompanied by lameness it is known as gonitis which is a descriptive term rather than a specific diagnosis. Severe stifle injuries are frequently complicated by fractures.
Etiology
Stifle injuries may be caused by direct trauma to the joint or by stress to the joint area from performance activities that include quick changes in direction, rapid deceleration, and repeated jumps. Such trauma may occur during roping, cutting, reining, barrel racing, and, of course, jumping.
Clinical signs
- Swelling
- Thickening of distention of the joint
- Lameness
- Exercise intolerance
- Locked kneecap
Diagnosis
- Radiography
- Ultrasonography
Acute gonitis
Acute gonitis is usually caused by trauma. Overextension of the stifle joint, e.g., due to slipping, is sometimes responsible for the condition.
Incidence
Occasionally noticed in working bulls and breeding bulls.
Symptoms
- Symptoms of acute synovitis and arthritis are present
- Joint is swollen and painful
- Incomplete flexion of the joint during progression
- Shortening of the strait
- Dragging of the toe
Treatment
- Cold and astringent application
- Compression and application of pressure bandage
- Warm fomentation
- Surpass – application of local analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)
- For septic inflammation antiseptic dressing with antimicrobial therapy is indicated
- Corticosteroid therapy
Chronic gonitis
Chronic gonitis is common in bullocks, heavy draft horses and breeding bulls.
Etiology
- Not well known
- Excessive strain
- Rheumatism or toxins
Symptoms
- Symptoms appear gradually and in intial stages are not pronounced
- During rest the horse repeatedly flexes the stifle and keeps the limb slightly raised from the ground
- There is dragging of the toe during progression and sometimes the stifle may get fixed in the extended position
- Enlargement of stifle joint due to distension of the joint capsule
- Pain evinced on palpation of the joint
- Erosion of the articular surface and crepitation may heard on flexion of stifle
Prognosis
- Gonitis is incurable.
Treatment
- Treatment is not effective. Firing and blistering may be tried.