Experimentally induced arthritis of the equine carpus: clinical determinations
McIlwraith, C.W.; Fessler, J.F.; Blevins, W.E.; Page, E.H.; Rebar, A.H.; Van Sickle, D.C.; Coppoc, G.L.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 40(1): 11-20
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 453671 Document Number: 140425
Arthritis was experimentally induced in the intercarpal joints of a series of mature ponies by the intraarticular injection of 400 .mu.g of the polyene antibiotic filipin in 1 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide. Consecutive injections (8) at 1 wk intervals were administered, and the ponies were euthanatized 4 wk after the last injection of filipin was given. The ponies were force exercised for 15 min/day and clinically monitored throughout the experiment. The progression of the induced arthritis was assessed by clinical, radiologic and arthroscopic examinations, synovial fluid analysis and synovial membrane biopsies, all of which were performed before induction, immediately after induction and immediately before euthanasia. Clinical and arthroscopic examinations, synovial fluid analysis and synovial membrane biopsies were useful in demonstrating the development of an acute synovitis in the induction phase with regression of inflammation and the development of chronic capsular change in the following stabilization period. The value of synovial membrane biopsy as a monitoring device was confirmed by correlating findings with subsequent histopathologic examination of the synovial membrane after necropsy. Radiologic examination demonstrated the development of osteophytosis with induction and further progression of this change in the stabilization period. The various value changes seen in this experimental model were compared with those seen in naturally occurring disease in the horse. The experimental model correlates reasonably well with what is believed to occur in the early stages of degenerative joint disease in the horse.