Case 1: Managing Advanced RF Injury with Surgical History and Biologic Support

OVERVIEW

The horse presented with

• Moderate Grade 3 right front lameness that blocked to the foot.
• Radiographic evidence of coffin joint osteoarthritis (OA).
• Prior surgical fusion of the left hind DIT and TMT joints in an earlier procedure.

Gait analysis at presentation showed mild impact asymmetry in the right front and very mild impact asymmetry in the left hind.

TREATMENT APPROACH

The plan, in order

• equicenta® CTM injection at the tear site.
• Ongoing monitoring and progressive load.

Day 0 · Moderate Grade 3 RF, blocked to foot

OUTCOME

Day 30 — Early Response

At the 4-week recheck, the horse scored sound. Gait analysis showed very mild impact asymmetry in the right front and very mild push-off and impact asymmetry in the left hind — both within a low, stable range. The LH surgically fused DIT/TMT remained unchanged from baseline.

Day 30 · Scored sound on recheck

Full Day 0 vs. Day 30 gait comparison

At re-evaluation:

• The horse was clinically sound.
• Significant improvement was observed in gait symmetry and load distribution.

This rapid improvement suggests a strong response to treatment, particularly in a case where chronic degeneration and compensatory mechanics were both present.

WHY THIS CASE MATTERS

Several considerations in equine medicine

1. Compensation creates secondary injury

Previous surgical fusion altered biomechanics, increasing stress on the RF limb. Treating the “new” injury requires understanding the full orthopedic history.

2. OA is not just degenerative — it’s active

Coffin joint OA involves ongoing inflammation and cellular breakdown, not just wear and tear. Addressing inflammation alone may not be enough.

3. Biologic therapies fill the gap

In cases like this, biologics can:

• Support cellular repair signaling.
• Reduce inflammatory cascades.

CLINICAL TAKEAWAY

For horses presenting with

• Chronic lameness
• Joint degeneration
• History of orthopedic intervention

A multi-layered treatment approach is critical.

Individual case; results may not be representative. Multiple concurrent treatments may have been used. This case is not evidence of effectiveness.

FINAL THOUGHT

Horse First, Sport Second.

At Equine Performance Labs, cases like this reinforce our core belief: meaningful recovery isn’t just about returning to work — it’s about restoring comfort, function, and longevity in every stride.