Normal joint function
Normal joint function can be assessed in a horse with the help of your veterinarian for a good clinical examination. With the horse in a weight bearing stance, the joint can be assessed if there is excess fluid. This may depend upon the amount of work the horse is doing and when it last worked; however a practiced eye will be able to evaluate the joint and notice any joint effusion. The range of motion can be assessed as well as the reluctance to flex, if there is reduced range of motion. Next is to observe the horse at a trot and assess which leg is lame and the degree of lameness. The clinician will see if the horse is lame on the same leg that is exhibiting clinical signs and finally to stress the joint by flexing it and observing the response to flexion as the horse trots. If there is effusion and reduced range of motion with a positive flexion test, then it may be that you veterinarian will advise you to have radiographs taken of the joint to assess and degeneration. Radiographs will only observe bone changes, but an indirect assessment of cartilage can be made. To truly evaluate cartilage either MRI or CT scans will provide more accurate information. Ultrasonography can be preformed in certain joints looking at certain aspects to evaluate cartilage as well.