How to Treat Senior Equine Arthritis

Many older horses fall prey to arthritis and other joint problems as they age, and it is important for horse owners to be on the lookout for signs of discomfort in their equine companions. Treating arthritis in senior horses can be difficult, but there are some ways horse owners can make their four-legged friends a bit more comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Joint supplements
  • Absorbine
  • Quality feed
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Instructions

  1. Treating Equine Arthritis

    • 1

      Look for a quality joint supplement designed for horses. While not all horses will respond to joint supplementation, many horse owners have had success with supplements containing glucosamine. Glucosamine has shown great promise for both humans and animals, so by supplementing your horse's feed you may be able to relieve the most severe arthritis symptoms. Look for a supplement that will be palatable to your horse. Some glucosamine powders use apple flavoring to make them more palatable, and these flavored powders can be a good choice. You can also mix in a bit of molasses to hide any unpleasant flavor. No matter what type of supplement you choose always check to make sure your horse is finishing all of the powder and not picking it out of the feed.

    • 2

      Choose a horse feed designed with the needs of senior horses in mind. Feed manufacturers have special formulations for older horses, and these senior feeds can be a good choice for horses with joint problems. When changing your horse's feed to a different brand always be sure to mix the two feeds together, slowly tapering your horse off his current feed and on to the new one. This will help to reduce digestive problems as your horse adapts to the new feed.

    • 3

      Massage your horse's joints with Absorbine or another quality liniment. Simply rubbing liniment on your horse's joints a couple of times a week can relieve soreness and stiffness and make your horse feel better.

    • 4

      Exercise your horse regularly to keep arthritis symptoms and joint problems at bay. If your horse is sound, light riding can help keep him supple and reduce the joint swelling associated with arthritis and old age. If your horse is not sound enough to be ridden regularly, long lining or even hand walking can be a good alternative.