As a horse moves, the flexing and compression can produce minute damage within the joint structures that triggers mild inflammatory responses to make the repairs. Normally, the body’s own defenses control inflammation and the joint remains healthy and sound.
Sometimes, however, the inflammatory process overwhelms the body’s ability to contain it, either from a single acute injury or from many years of use. At that point, a cascade of events begins: The inflammatory enzymes break down the lubricating synovial fluid, which gets thinner. Proteoglycans are lost and the collagen fibers lose integrity, which diminishes the cartilage’s ability to retain lubricating water. This damage stimulates even more inflammation, which fills the joint capsule with fluids, leading to pressure, pain and stiffness. The buildup of inflammatory enzymes further breaks down the synovial fluid, which leads to more damage to the cartilage.
Normally a horse's body can repair itself and keep a hand on inflammation in the joints. In most cases the horse's own defenses will keep him sound. Although, it does happen where the inflammation is so sever that the body cannot heal itself quickly enough. In this case, the natural lubricants of the body dissipate which causes even more damage and inflammation. This can all do permanent damage to the horse's cartilage.
This site is oriented around arthritis and inflammation in any horse. It goes on about the affects of inflammation and how it can temporarily or permanently damage a horse's body.
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