Prognosis:
Early recognition and initiation of aggressive therapy may effect a cure, but the prognosis 
never is good. Treatment must be prompt and aggressive. Delay can lead to permanent 
cartilagous damage and lameness.  In general foals respond to therapy better than do 
adult horses.  Even in foals, though the prognosis is guarded. Involvement of multiple 
joints and concurrent systemic illness worsens the prognosis and osteomyelitis in 
conjuction with infectious arthritis carries a poor prognosis.  Single joints in foals has a 
guarded but better prognosis for foals.