Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

Call Us Today

217-673-4870

  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Payment Options
    • Petsimonials
  • Companion Animals
  • Equine & Large Animals
  • Services
  • About Us
    • Meet our Team
    • Virtual Office Tour
  • Memorials
    • Submit Your Pet Memorial
  • Contact Us
    • Request Appointment
May Newsletter: Does Your Horse Have Arthritis?
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • May Newsletter: Does Your Horse Have Arthritis?

May Newsletter: Does Your Horse Have Arthritis?

Horse lounges in pasture.

Does Your Horse Have Arthritis?

Arthritis, a disease that affects the joints, causes pain and stiffness in your horse's legs, shoulders, spine, or neck. Luckily, medication and a few modifications can ease arthritis pain and improve mobility.

Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis affects the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. Cartilage helps the bones in a joint move together smoothly and serves as a shock absorber. Osteoarthritis deteriorates and wears away cartilage, causing bones to rub together painfully as your horse moves. An injury or years of wear and tear may trigger inflammation that damages the cartilage.

Poor conformation or hoof care can increase your horse's risk for arthritis by causing uneven weight loading throughout the joints, according to The Horse. Horses involved in racing, trail riding, jumping, and other activities that stress the joints are more likely to develop arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Stiffness
  • Shortened Stride
  • Swollen, Stiff Joints
  • Gait Changes
  • Lameness
  • Reluctance to Walk or Jump
  • Cracking Sounds When Moving a Joint

Helping a Horse with Arthritis

If your horse is diagnosed with arthritis, your equine veterinarian may recommend one or more of these treatments or modifications:

  • Anti-Inflammatory Medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness. Since NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers, it's important to follow your veterinarian's dosing instructions before giving them to your horse.
  • Corticosteroid Injections. Injecting corticosteroids into an arthritic joint eases pain and inflammation and may slow deterioration in the joint. Corticosteroids may be given every six to 12 months.
  • Hyaluronic Acid and Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycans (PSAGs) Injections. Hyaluronic acid helps thicken the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints and decreases inflammation. PSAGs injections reduce inflammation, spur repair of the cartilage, and boost synovial fluid production.
  • Joint Fusion. When other treatments don't relieve your horse's symptoms, your veterinarian may suggest fusing the bones in a joint to relieve pain.
  • Gentle Exercise. Although your horse may be reluctant to move at first, movement reduces stiffness and may ease pain. Moderate exercise strengthens the muscles that support the joints and improves synovial fluid circulation. Daily walks may help a horse with mild to moderate arthritis stay in shape and decrease symptoms. Limit walks to flat, soft surfaces and avoid hills, rocky terrain, or trails that include sharp turns. If arthritis is severe, turnout might be all the exercise your horse can handle. No matter what type of exercise you choose, adequate warm-up and cool-down times are essential.
  • Regular Farrier Visits. Unbalanced feet can stress the joints and increase arthritis pain. Scheduling regular trims and using pads under shoes or opting for special shoes that reduce pressure offer simple ways to keep your horse comfortable.
  • Weight Management. The heavier your horse, the more stress on the joints. Unfortunately, horses tend to gain weight as they become less active. According to The Horse, it's a good idea to aim for a body condition score of four to six on the nine-point Henneke scale if your horse has arthritis. Your equine veterinarian can provide weight loss recommendations that will help your horse lose weight without sacrificing the nutrients needed for good health.

Are you worried that your horse may have arthritis? Give our office a call to schedule a visit with an equine veterinarian.

Sources:

The Horse: Conditioning Arthritic Horses: Do’s and Don’ts, 4/8/2022

https://thehorse.com/187286/conditioning-arthritic-horses-dos-and-donts/

Equus: Coping with Arthritis in Horses, 6/25/2021

https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/coping-with-arthritis-in-horses/

Practical Horseman: Diagnosing Arthritis, 9/2/2022

https://practicalhorsemanmag.com/health-archive/does-my-horse-have-arthritis/

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine: Caring for Older Horses, 12/7/2018

https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2018/12/07/older-horses/

No article settings found. Please configure it

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

Office Hours

*Open the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday when it applies.

Monday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Testimonial

I absolutely love the ladies at this office. They are so nice and helpful and my fur babies like them to!! I strongly recommend this practice if you are in need of a great vet and staff!!

Angel C.

    October Newsletter: The Importance of Daily Dog Walks

    This simple form of exercise could make your dog one happy pup. ...

    Read More

    October Newsletter: How to Care for Your Pets When They Are Teething

    Wondering what you can do to help your teething pet? ...

    Read More

    October Newsletter: How a Coggins Test Can Detect Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)

    Concerned about equine infectious anemia? A Coggins Test can help you ensure your horse is healthy. ...

    Read More

    September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

    Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death? ...

    Read More

    September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

    Read More

    September Newsletter: The Importance of Parasite Control for Horses

    Need a little help protecting your horse from parasites? ...

    Read More

    Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

    Read More

    August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems

    Do you know how spaying and neutering can protect your pet's health? ...

    Read More

    August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety

    Does your pet hate being alone? A visit to the veterinarian could help. ...

    Read More

    August Newsletter: The Importance of Wellness Exams for Senior Horses

    Wondering if your senior horse should have a wellness exam? ...

    Read More

Follow Us

Find Us On Social Media

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map