Bone Spurs in Horses

"Bone spur" is a term used to describe sharp bony projections that are visible on X-rays at the joint margins of affected horses. The medical term for these spurs is "osteophytes," and they occur specifically at the margins of joints where the articular cartilage blends into the underlying bone. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a term used for describing a series of changes that occur to joints and their cartilage surfaces leading to what we know as arthritis. As the joint surface (articular cartilage) becomes worn or thins, the body responds by trying to stabilize the joint with the development of bone spurs.

The other area that is often referred to as bone spurs is the attachment of the joint capsule or ligaments around the joint. These spurs are called enthesiophytes. The difference between these two types of spurs is that osteophytes occur at the joint margin and represent the radiographic changes associated with OA, while enthesiophytes occur at the insertion of joint capsules, tendons, and ligaments and represent the radiographic changes associated with tearing of the fibers that attach these structures to the bone... Bone Spurs

For More Information: Bone Spur Prognosis