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  Discussion on Distension of Coffin Joint
Author Message
Member:
kathjune

Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2012 - 5:55 pm:

Hi
I have recently had a pony diagnosed with 'navicular synDrOme'. I do have the specifics from the MRI scan involving navicular bone, bursa and impar ligament.

The pony is coming back into work now and is doing ok with some light pain relief. I have found that he is worse when he initially starts working and is greatly improved only 10 minutes later. Is this typical of 'navicular synDrOme'? It seems more typical of arthritis type lameness to me. Looking back at the work up results again today I see he also has 'Moderate distension of the coffin joints with fluid and soft tissue intensity material'. Is this finding relating to navicular synDrOme or an arthritic type disorder? } Can you help explain what this comment actually means and what disorder it relates too and whether this may be the reason for the quickly improving lameness during work. Thanks
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 8, 2012 - 2:28 pm:

Hmmm the problem is "navicular synDrOme" is not a diagnosis. A synDrOme's definition is a recurring constellation of symptoms without a known cause. The term was commonly used back before we had good enough diagnostic equipment to accurately differentiate and pinpoint which of the myriad of causes of pain in the heel of the horse's foot was causing the pain.

Your history of warming out of the lameness does not differentiate arthritis from tendonitis or desmitis, all common causes that could be grouped under "navicular synDrOme". I am surprised after an MRI that a likely specific cause has not been found. For more on all this see HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Navicular Disease / Chronic Heel Pain SynDrOme.
DrO
Member:
kathjune

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2012 - 8:50 am:

Hi again,

No your correct, he wasn't diagnosed with Navicular SynDrOme - I asked my vet that would this have been referred to as navicular synDrOme pre MRI scans etc. I guess I was just trying to simplify my explanation.

This pony came to us 4 years ago slightly lame in right fore but came sound with work. He has been mainly used for mounted games (I guess similar wear and tear as barrel racing)! His work load DrOpped off at the end of last summer and he became unsound on both fores, right predominantly.

The hospital report in summary - "degenerative changes in the distal third of the flexor cortex of the navicular bones of both front feet and impar ligament desmopathy in the right fore foot (predominantly). Navicular bursitis is present bilaterally, predominantly right fore."

Elsewhere in the more detailed write up it also states that there is "moderate distension of the coffin joint with soft tissue intensity material (also fluid in right fore).

I do appreciate navicular synDrOme isn't a diagnosis and my understanding is that the impar ligament is the primary cause of lameness but as my vet says there is a culmination of things going on. You have already answered my question I guess that the warming out of lameness does not differentiate the reasons as to the lameness.

Could you possibly explain what is being seen in the coffin joint or what it is that causes the distension? Is it just another element of the 'synDrOme' with unknown cause.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 12, 2012 - 7:58 am:

The fluid being produced is primarily made by the lining of the joint: the synovial capsule. The capsule will thicken and produce excess fluid in response to direct injury to the capsule or in response to damage to the cartilage surfaces of the joint. Is is possible the same chronic stress that has injured the other structures of the foot have also had their toll on the coffin joint.
DrO
Member:
kathjune

Posted on Thursday, Apr 12, 2012 - 8:25 am:

Thanks for your explanation. That right fore will have taken a lot of strian as it is the leg which is pivoted upon for the turns in mounted games. However he did come to us slightly off on that leg (then came sound) and he hadnt taken part in mounted games at that point.
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