Like gears locking in an engine, damage to your horse’s joints can stop him in his tracks.

Joint surfaces are normally bathed by a lubricating fluid that allows bone ends to glide smoothly.

That nourishing fluid also contains the goodies that bacteria want to grow and thrive. Fortunately, a healthy joint is covered with a tough protective capsule. But when the capsule is damaged by a wound, bacteria can invade.

Although the body sends cells to fight these intruders, a byproduct of the battle is inflammation, which causes heat, swelling and pain. Inflammation also erodes the cartilage bumpers on bone ends, so that the once-smooth joint starts to grind.

The situation can quickly become dire, so any wound involving a joint needs veterinary attention as soon as possible. Aggressive treatment is essential to get your horse back on track.