Horse Arthritis

Equine arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It impacts horses of all ages, breeds and sizes, regardless of the discipline for which they are trained. Arthritis makes it difficult for a horse to move comfortably and can require veterinary intervention, as well as nutritional supplementation.

  1. Types

    • There are two primary types of arthritis in horses: acute and chronic. Acute arthritis comes on quickly and is characterized by sharp pain, swelling and fever. Chronic arthritis is a long-term condition that is not as painful as it is limiting. Horses with chronic arthritis are often stiff and can show signs of periodic lameness.

    Causes

    • Arthritis occurs when normal joint function is impeded, usually because of damage to the cartilage or bone. An injury or infection can cause the smooth surfaces in a joint to become rough. The friction of the rough surface leads to inflammation and damages the synovial fluid in the joint. This fluid acts as a lubricator. Without it, the joint cannot function properly and will swell. The end result is acute arthritis. Chronic arthritis occurs when new bone forms to cover the damaged area. Because this bone is not original to the joint, the joint will not function as designed. The horse will be stiff and sometimes lame.

    Diagnosis

    • If you suspect your horse has arthritis, only a vet can properly diagnosis him. If arthritis is present, your horse may be uncomfortable, stiff and have limited movement in a joint. Sometimes, an arthritic joint will appear swollen or feel warm to the touch. A vet can observe the horse at the walk and the trot, or perform a flexion test to look for range of motion. More sophisticated tests include nerve blocking, X-rays, bone scans or analysis of joint fluid (to look for infection).

    Treatment

    • Treatment of equine arthritis depends upon the severity of the condition and the horse's job. If the arthritis is caused by an infection or injury, symptoms may subside with adequate rest. In more serious cases, anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered so that the joint can function properly again. Yet another treatment option is to inject corticosteroids and/or hyaluronic acid directly into the joint.

    Warning

    • High performance sport horses are particularly susceptible to arthritis because of the extreme pressure on their joints. Proper nutritional supplementation to support joint health is crucial. Consult with your vet to determine the best option. While joint injections can be effective, they often require multiple series of injections, sometimes over the course of the horse's life.