Biochemical analysis of synovial fluid and determination of synovial fluid volume of the distal joints of the equine forelimb

摘要

Synovial fluid analysis is very important for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of arthropathies. The objective of this study was to examine the possible application of the "Biochemical joint function test" described by Heilmann in the horse. This dilution method allows the determination of the total volume of synovial fluid and the collection of sufficient fluid for a complete examination. Samples of synovial fluid were collected from 307 joints (middle carpal, fetlock, proximal and distal interphalangeal joint) from 39 horses and ponies designated for slaughter without any evidence of joint disease. The synovial fluid was assessed for the punctionable and total volume and for biochemical values (total protein, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio). The total volume of synovial fluid of joints and significant differences in the mean values among the different joints could be determined. The dilution method developed by Heilmann can be appliedto the horse although the examination of synovial fluid volume is not useful as a parameter for the diagnosis of arthropathies.