EPIPYSITIS

Epiphysitis / Big knees/ knock knees

Inflamation of growth plate of the long bones,primarily found in the lower end of the radius above the knee.
The epiphysial area closes at 24 -27 months of age.Commonly seen in foals and weanlings from 4 to 5 months of age
Some cases found in Throughbred yearlings during early phases of training

CAUSES 

• Excessive pressure on unclosed plates
• Diet balance in foals
• Bacterial infections(Joint ill)
• Concussion in young Race horses

SIGNS

• Enlargement of knee joints
• Pain on palpation
• Lameness

TREATMENTS

• Caused by excess carbohydrate diet.Therefore decreasing the energy intake is of use in treatment.
• Malnutrition or vitamin or mineral deficiency
• Correction of calcium deficiency.
• Then proper diet and rest may be all that is needed to correct the problems
• Periosteal stripping surgical procedure to correct the epiphysitis

Reference

• Horseman veterinary Encyclopedia Cheryl Rogers and G.Jeanne Wilcox
• Manual of Equine Practice by Reuben J.Rose and David R.Hodgson