In horses used for racing, which joint is commonly affected by osteoarthritis?

In horses used for racing, which joint is commonly affected by osteoarthritis?

• A. Stifle
• B. Fetlock
• C. Hock
• D. Carpus

Answer: (B)

Osteoarthritis in racing horses mainly results from repetitive, high-load stress on a joint. The fetlock joint bears the greatest impact and extreme extension during galloping, especially in sprinting horses. This intense loading over time causes cartilage wear, subchondral bone changes, and inflammation within the joint, leading to OA. Because the fetlock endures the largest forces and range of motion during racing, it becomes the most commonly affected joint. Other joints like the stifle, hock, and carpus can develop OA too, but not as commonly as the fetlock due to their different roles and loading patterns during high-speed work.

Osteoarthritis in racing horses mainly results from repetitive, high-load stress on a joint. The fetlock joint bears the greatest impact and extreme extension during galloping, especially in sprinting horses. This intense loading over time causes cartilage wear, subchondral bone changes, and inflammation within the joint, leading to OA. Because the fetlock endures the largest forces and range of motion during racing, it becomes the most commonly affected joint. Other joints like the stifle, hock, and carpus can develop OA too, but not as commonly as the fetlock due to their different roles and loading patterns during high-speed work.