Ankylosis in Horses

Ankylosis is a chronic condition that causes the horse's joints to lock up. When a joint ankyloses (locks up), it is unable to flex or extend, and it doesn’t matter how old the horse is. It often seems to come from nowhere, and is very devastating for a working horse.

Symptoms and Types

• Stiffness in muscles and joints
• Inability to move joints

Causes

• Extended periods of immobility
• Abnormal fusion of bones
• Surgery
• Trauma to the joint
• Disease

Diagnosis

A veterinarian can easily diagnose ankylosis upon inspection of the affected area, some in just a few minutes. Treatment There is no treatment for ankylosis. Unfortunately, it is an irreversible condition resulting in permanent lameness.

Living and Management

Because horses with ankylosis become lame, special accommodations must be made for the horse, including a comfortable living space and easy access to food and water.

Prevention

Prevention is difficult for ankylosis. It can affect a horse of any age and may even be the result of a deformity from birth (congenital).