Equine arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is a degenerative joint disease common in horses. It can pose significant challenges for horse owners, especially when it comes to training and conditioning. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to manage the condition effectively and maintain your horse’s fitness and quality of life.
Arthritis in Senior Horses
Osteoarthritis is particularly prevalent in senior horses, affecting their mobility and overall well-being. Arthritis occurs in more than 50% of horses older than 15 years of age, and it increases to 80–90% in horses over 30 years of age.1
As horses age, the wear and tear on their joints from years of activity can lead to the development of arthritis. This condition is not only common but expected in older horses, making it a crucial aspect of senior horse care. Understanding the prevalence of arthritis among senior equines is vital for owners and caretakers to anticipate and manage the health challenges associated with aging horses effectively.
Keep in mind that some aged horses with osteoarthritis will find it difficult to lie down and get up. That can lead to sleep deprivation.
Understanding Equine Arthritis
Equine arthritis is a progressive disease that affects the cartilage within a horse’s joints. This leads to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. It is primarily seen in older horses, but it can occur at any age due to injury or excessive strain on the joints.
As the disease progresses, clinical signs of equine arthritis can become more evident. These signs include lameness or stiffness (especially after rest), swelling or warmth in the affected joints, and a noticeable decrease in performance.
Athletic horses might find coping with arthritis particularly challenging since their activities typically demand a high degree of joint flexibility and strength.
Arthritis can severely limit an equine athlete’s range of motion, making it difficult to execute movements that were previously easy, such as tight turns, jumps, or sprints.
Also, the discomfort associated with this condition can lead to reluctance or refusal to work, affecting both training outcomes and competitive performance.
It is crucial for horse owners and trainers to recognize these signs early to manage the condition effectively and help maintain a horse’s activity level as comfortably as possible.
The Key to Conditioning
When conditioning an arthritic horse, musculoskeletal strength and coordination are crucial. Overworking can exacerbate the condition, while underworking can lead to stiffness and further joint degradation. The goal is to find the middle ground that keeps the horse active without causing discomfort or further injury.
The key is to focus on low-impact exercises and avoid activities that put excessive strain on the horse’s joints. If your arthritic horse is out of work, ensure that it gets continued movement, even if just turnout.
Here are some tips:
- Warm up slowly and effectively. Experts recommend 15-20 minutes of walking to warm up prior to beginning exercise for the arthritic horse.
- Swimming and hydrotherapy. These exercises allow the horse to move its joints freely without bearing weight, making them ideal for horses with arthritis.
- Avoid deep or uneven ground. Soft, deep footing can be challenging for arthritic horses as it requires more effort to lift their legs. Similarly, uneven ground can increase the risk of injury.
- Cool down properly. A proper cool-down period after each session helps to prevent stiffness and discomfort.
Managing Equine Arthritis
In managing equine arthritis, a multifaceted approach that combines medication, diet, and exercise is often most effective. A well-balanced diet to keep the horse in proper condition is important. It is hard on a horse’s joints to be overweight.
Appropriate medication can also play a significant role in managing equine arthritis. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help control pain and inflammation, while dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health. There also are FDA-approved drugs that can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis in some cases.
Medications and Management Strategies
Here’s a closer look at the types of medications and management strategies:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritic horses. Examples include phenylbutazone (Bute), flunixin meglumine, and firocoxib. It’s crucial to follow a veterinarian’s guidance when using NSAIDs due to potential side effects with long-term use.
- Joint injections. Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections directly into the affected joint can provide significant relief from pain and swelling. These treatments, however, should be used judiciously under veterinary supervision to avoid negative side effects. There are other substances and drugs that can be used for arthritic joints, including drugs such as Adequan or products such as polyacrylamide hydrogel. Adequan i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction, as well as associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.
- Oral joint supplements. Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), and omega-3 fatty acids might help support joint health and reduce inflammation. Their effectiveness can vary from horse to horse, and they are often used as a complementary therapy.
- Weight management. Keeping an arthritic horse at a healthy weight can reduce the strain on its joints, mitigating the clinical signs of arthritis. This might involve adjusting feed intake, ensuring the diet is balanced, and providing appropriate exercise.
- Regular veterinary check-ups. Routine veterinary examinations are crucial for monitoring the progression of arthritis and adjusting treatment plans as necessary. This proactive approach can help manage pain and help the horse maintain mobility.
- Alternative therapies. Some horse owners find success with adjunct therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic treatments to help manage pain and improve mobility in arthritic horses. While scientific evidence supporting these therapies can vary, they might be beneficial when used alongside traditional treatments.
Implementing a tailored management strategy that includes these components can help maintain the quality of life for horses with arthritis, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
Final Words
While equine arthritis can pose challenges, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a horse’s active life. With careful management and the right conditioning techniques, arthritic horses can continue to lead active lives. As always, it’s essential to work closely with a veterinarian or an equine physiotherapist to create a tailored plan that suits your horse’s individual needs.
This article is based on information published by our sister brand TheHorse.com.
Reference
- Osteoarthritis: a common disease that should be avoided in the athletic horse’s life. Baccarin, R.; Seidel, S.; Michelacci, Y.; Tokawa, P.; and Oliveira, T. Animal Frontiers 2022 Jun; 12(3): 25–36.
Further Reading
- What You Should Know About Equine Osteoarthritis. MySeniorHorse.com
- What Is Osteoarthritis in Horses? MySeniorHorse.com
- Equine Arthritis and Corticosteroid Joint Injections. Kimberly S. Brown. MySeniorHorse.com
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Editors of My Senior Horse are journalism professionals, most of whom are lifelong horse owners.View all posts