What You Should Know About Equine Osteoarthritis

Equine osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in horses that primarily affects the articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone.¹ It is usually caused by excessive stress on the joints due to intense work, age, or injury.

Clinical signs often include lameness, joint swelling, and pain. OA can be diagnosed through physical examination by an experienced veterinarian, radiographs, ultrasound, and/or MRI.

Intra-articular anesthesia is crucial for determining the source of pin because radiological changes are not necessarily synonymous with pain and lameness.

Preventing Osteoarthritis in Horses

Prevention of equine osteoarthritis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your horse. Regular, low-impact exercise can help maintain joint health.

Providing adequate rest periods prevents overwork. Proper nutrition is also crucial, as a balanced diet can aid in maintaining ideal weight and supporting joint health.

Osteoarthritis can occur in young, racing Thoroughbred. The disease might cause the horse to become more symptomatic when asked to do turns, circles, or jump if it progresses to a career after racing.

Choosing the Right OA Treatment

The severity of the clinical signs will largely determine the appropriate treatment for equine osteoarthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to manage pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids can be injected directly into the joint for more severe cases. Other therapies such as hyaluronic acid injections, stem cell therapy, and physical therapy might also be beneficial.

Treating equine osteoarthritis with corticosteroids can have both beneficial and adverse effects. On the positive side, corticosteroids injected into the affected joint can significantly reduce inflammation and pain, leading to improved joint function and quality of life for the horse.² This form of treatment can allow horses to continue their regular activities with minimal discomfort.

However, there are potential negative consequences associated with corticosteroid use. Over-reliance or inappropriate administration of corticosteroids can accelerate joint degeneration over time. Additionally, repeated injections might increase the risk of joint infection or laminitis.

It’s essential that corticosteroid use be carefully managed under the guidance of an experienced veterinarian to mitigate these risks.

Newer Equine Osteoarthritis Therapies

In addition to conventional therapies, advanced treatments for equine OA have emerged. These offer new hope for improved joint function and quality of life. One such treatment is autologous conditioned plasma (ACP). This involves using the horse’s own blood, processing it to increase concentrations of anti-inflammatory and regenerative molecules, then injecting the product into the affected joint. This method has shown positive benefits, including a reduction in inflammation and the promotion of healing within the joint tissues.²

Another innovative approach is interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) therapy. IRAP counteracts inflammatory cytokines in the joint, notably interleukin-1, which is heavily implicated in OA. Positive results often include pain relief and a slowdown in cartilage degradation, thus leading to the potential for longer-lasting joint health.²

However, these treatments might have drawbacks. They can include requiring multiple sessions, the possibility of injection site reactions, and the high cost associated with advanced therapies.

It is crucial for owners to consider these factors and discuss them with their veterinarians when weighing the options for equine osteoarthritis treatment. The individual condition of each horse will dictate the choice of therapies that will yield the best outcome.

Long-Term Care and Outcome

Horses diagnosed with osteoarthritis can still lead fulfilling lives with proper management and care. Regular veterinary checkups are important to monitor the progression of the disease.

Changes in the horse’s environment, such as softer bedding and less strenuous work, can also improve its quality of life.

Final Words

There is currently no cure for equine osteoarthritis. However, advancements in veterinary medicine are continually providing new treatment options and hope for affected horses.

Equine osteoarthritis is a challenging condition to manage. However, through understanding its causes, clinical signs, and treatment options, horse owners can make informed decisions that promote the well-being of their equine companions.