Osselets

Veterinary advice should be sought before applying any treatment or vaccine.

Osselets

Osselets is a common term used to describe osteoarthritis of the fetlock. It is most frequently seen in retired geriatric (older) performance horses. Osselets is usually associated with the forelimbs and often occurs bilaterally, in both forelimbs. Affected horses often present with asymmetrical lameness of an insidious onset, which gets worse when the horse is asked to make turns or following completion of exercise. These horses will often have a stiff gait and shortened stride.

The goal of therapy for horses with osselets is to relieve joint pain and help to improve joint use, lessening gait stiffness and lameness.

Symptoms

Short and choppy gait
Swelling
Inflammation
Asymmetrical lameness
Puts more weight on the outside edge of the hoof
Lameness worsens on turns and after exercise

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Radiographs

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Joint motion exercisesConducted daily, both passive and active
Intra-articular injectionsAdministration of an autologous protein solution products and steroids can sometimes help for several weeks at a time.
Oral supplementsHyaluronan, glycosamine, and autologous conditioned serum (ACS)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)Such as phenylbutazone
Regular exercise
Swimming
SurgerySurgical debridement of frayed cartilage and exposed bone as well as copious joint lavage.

Prevention

Prognosis

Poor

Scientific Research

    General Overviews

    • osselets icon

    Risk Factors

    • Increased age