An induced synovitis disease model in ponies

The effects of intra-articular injection of small amounts of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the intercarpal joint of 5 ponies were studied. The LPS induced predictable changes all of which were analogous to acute bacterial infection, except that the development of signs occurred sooner after the LPS injection, and subsided within 36 hours. Fever was monophasic and peaked at 5-7 hours. The ponies exhibited depression, reduced or absent appetite, increased pulse and respiration rates, and lameness. The lameness became evident between 1 and 2 hours after injection, at which time warmth, articular effusion, and resentment to palpation of joint flexion were evident. Hematological changes included neutrophilic leucocytosis, and changes in copper, iron and zinc serum concentrations. The synovial fluid total protein, leucocyte, and alkaline phosphatase levels increased within 2 hours. The mucin precipitation, total protein and leucocyte counts in synovial fluid remained elevated long after clinical and hematological changes had subsided. The model is useful for the study of some aspects of infectious joint disease.