Equine Arthritis

Horse arthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. Like human arthritis, equine arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints and causes a great deal of pain.

  1. Significance

    • According to Dr. Karen Hayes and Sue Copeland, authors of the book "Hands-On Senior Horse Care," arthritis in a horse is a progressive condition that affects the animal's weight-bearing joints. It is a progressive disease that eats away at the cartilage in the joints.

    Identification

    • The biggest symptom of arthritis in horses is severe pain. As the disease progresses, the horse may have impaired function in the affected joints.

    Risks

    • The biggest risk factor in horses for arthritis is age. Once a horse reaches the age of 15, a metabolic shift occurs that speeds up the death of bone, cartilage and tendon cells, according to "Hands-On Senior Horse Care."

    Prevention/Solution

    • Regular exercise can help a horse with arthritis. It helps strengthen muscles and clears toxins out of the joints. Exercise also helps build up cartilage.

    Lifestyle

    • Horses that are unfit and do little to move around are more prone to developing arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about dietary supplements that may help slow the progression of the disease.