Arthroscopic treatment for cervical articular process joint osteochondrosis in a Thoroughbred horse

R. Tucker, R. J. Piercy, J. J. Dixon, C. F. Muir, K. C. Smith, K. E. Potter, T. R. Leaman, R. K.W. Smith*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A yearling Thoroughbred colt was presented for investigation of neck stiffness and episodes of intermittent neck pain without neurological signs. Osteochondrosis (OCD) of the cervical articular process joints (APJs) was diagnosed with the aid of radiography and computed tomography. An articular osteochondral fragment of the left fourth caudal cervical articular process was removed arthroscopically following a cut down approach to the joint capsule of the affected APJ. Surgical removal resulted in resolution of clinical signs at 4 weeks. However, subsequently the horse was markedly ataxic 6 weeks post surgery after being found cast in its stable. Cervical stenotic myelopathy was considered the most likely cause based on clinical and radiographic signs and the horse was subjected to euthanasia due to a poor prognosis for racing. Post-mortem examination identified atypical cartilage within several cervical APJs with histological changes consistent with OCD. This case report supports OCD of the APJs as a cause of neck pain and confirms the clinical practicality and short-term effectiveness of arthroscopic fragment removal. Surgical treatment for cervical OCD should be considered in horses without neurological signs, although case selection is important and the underlying pathology remains a risk factor for the development of subsequent neurological signs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)116-121
Number of pages6
JournalEquine Veterinary Education
Volume30
Issue number3
Early online date28 Jul 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2018

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • arthroscopy
  • cervical vertebral malformation
  • facet joint
  • horse
  • osteochondrosis
  • wobbler

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