Arthrosis and arthritis
In case of arthrosis the well-functioning of the joint gets completely disturbed. The surface gets rougher and the layer of cartilage thinner. The elastic force gets lost for a big part. So the joint capsule has to handle a lot of hard shocks.
The capsule isn't foreseen for this, so an inflammation gets going. Eventually the whole joint gets inflammed. This we call arthritis. As a result of the inflammation the capsule loses its elasticity. The synioval fluid gets thinner and the cartilage doesn't get enough nutrients. The cartilage can't repair itself anymore, loses fast its quality and vanishes more and more. Eventually the (hard) bones rub directly against each other. The power that works in on the joint doesn't get spread equally anymore. The bone tries to compensate this by broadening its bearing surface and form bony excrescences. Movement is now very painful for the horse. Achieving well, also at a modest level, is impossible for a horse with arthrosis. Even the dailt grazing brings a lot pain and discomfort along.
Arthrosis is a direct cause of wear. Sooner or later (pretty much) all horses have to face this. Horses used in sports, however, have a much higher risk, because their locomotor apparatus gets burdened heavely over and over again. Even if the horse achieves at a lower level, you cannot underestimate the impact of training and competition. Also horses that get used for recreational purpose only, or for breeding, will be confronted with arthrosis in time.
Not only wear can damage the cartilage. It can also happen by overloading one specific joint (for example, because of a wrong leg position), by osteochondrosis or an unfortunate injury.
Finally also hereditary factors play a par. Certain horses are more sensitive to arthrosis than others.
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