What Are the Treatments for Osteoarthritis in the Equine?

Osteoarthritis usually affects hocks, pasterns and fetlocks of horses. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed this condition, there are several treatment and management options available.

  1. Weight Control

    • Excess weight puts pressure on your horse's joints. Keep your horse at an acceptable weight to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis.

    Analgesics

    • Acetaminophen will relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. It is not an anti-inflammatory, so it can be safely combined with cortisone.

    NSAIDs

    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will reduce pain when used in lower doses. Higher does can reduce swelling and stiffness by reducing inflammation.

    Cortisone Anti-Inflammatory Drug

    • Your veterinarian may recommend cortisone to reduce swelling. It can be injected directly into the affected joint for fast relief.

    Proper Shoeing

    • Be sure your horse is shoed properly. Improper shoeing is a major cause of joint disorders in horses. Therapeutic shoeing can reduce joint stress.

    Visco-Supplementation

    • Injected into the affected joint, this gel-like substance lubricates cartilage and reduces pain. It allows greater mobility for your horse.

    Surgery

    • Surgery can clean cartilage debris, repair bone deformities and rebuild joints. Major surgery should be considered after all other treatments fail.