Osteoarthritis(OA): A disorder of moveable joints, is characterized by degeneration and loss of articular cartilage and development of new bone on joint surfaces and margins. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) and is one of the main causes of lameness in horses. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage surrounding the joints is destroyed, which produces pain and inflammation. Areas that are affected the most are stifles, hocks, fetlocks and coffin joints. Less common areas also include the neck, back and shoulder joints. Targeted therapeutics have involved intra-articular medications such as hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids, in combination with rest, corrective shoeing, IM bisphosphonates (OsPhos), and NSAIDS (Equioxx, phenylbutazone or banamine). Additional synergistic tools also include focused shockwave therapy (versitron), polyacrylamide (Arthvet and Noltrex) synthetic gels , polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG’s such as Adequan), intravenous hyaluronic acid (Legend), and oral supplements such as Platinum Complete Joint which contain glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate other disease modifying agents.
Risk factors for OA include genetics, age, trauma, use, conformation. Many inflammatory chemical mediators contribute to the progression of OA. Some of these are called cytokines, and a major cytokine in OA is interleukin 1 (IL-1). It is estimated that more than 50% of horses will be affected by osteoarthritis by age 15 and that over 80% at age 30.
New orthobiologic treatments harness the power of the bodies own cellular messaging proteins called cytokines to augment the natural healing response and down regulation of pain without the unwanted side effects of repeated corticosteroid injections Regenerative therapy otpions. IRAP, Alpha2 Macroglobulin, ProStride, Platelet rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate matrix (Centrate) and autologous stem cells are but a few of the now mainstream means by which Alpine Equine manage osteoarthritis and sports medicine injuries in horses. IRAP involves harvesting a 60 cc blood sample from the patient which is then processed to obtain a concentrated solution of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a type of cytokine secreted in osteoarthritic joints. A cytokine is a chemical secreted by the cells of the immune system to attack infections and damaged or dying cells. IL-1 is an important part of the inflammatory response but in the case of your horse’s joints, sometimes can be detrimental. Other systems like Prostride and Platelet rich plasma, harness and add to the beneficial effects of IL 1A by including the multitude of platelet derived and white blood cell derived growth further promoting healing and reducing pain seen in lameness cases. These novel orthobiologic methods do more than simply reduce pain and inflammation as seen with corticosteroids, but rather further the bodies natural healing mechanisms.
Alpine Equine Hospital utilizes these scientifically proven new methods to treat and properly rehabilitate your horse after an athletic injury, helping ensure optimal performance