Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis in horse

Osteoarthritis is the most common of joint disease that its resulting lameness is the most important disorders of the musculoskeletal system in athletic horses. Several biochemical and biomechanical factors are contributed to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. Among these factors, reduced synthesis and lack of proteoglycans and increased matrix metalloproteinase production and secretion are the main well known agents in osteoarthritis formation and its ongoing destructive effects. Progressive destruction of articular cartilage due to limited capicity of this structure to repair and healing, changes in the subchondral bone, synovitis, capsulitis and damage of regional soft tissues are some important osteoarthritis features. Understanding of the different causes of osteoarthritis has an important role in treatment and prevention of this disorder. The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and its related changes in joints and articular cartilage repair are described in this article.