Equine osteoarthritis or sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease is a chronic condition that causes weakening of the joints and bones. This weakening of the horses bone structure leads to very much pain, inflammation and decreased flexibility. Lameness which can company this condition can be found in up to 60% of all horses affected by the condition and leads to many quality of life issues for the horse. This condition can affect any horse but is more prevalent in those participating in equine sports such as track racing. This condition can be spurred upon by a number of factors. Trauma to the joint is usually common. Age greater than 15 is a important risk factor to be mindful of when one’s horse begins to approach that age. Improper shoeing can also be aggravating and precipitous of this condition. The signs and symptoms in equine osteoarthritis are fairly similar to early onset lameness. These include: limping or lameness in single or multiple joints, warmth to touch of the joint involved, difficulty standing, walking or trotting, and stiffness.
Diagnosis is usually quite rigorous and involves many tests. Make sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as you begin to see any of the symptoms discussed prior. Your veterinarian will give an examination that involves observing their gait. They may also order a slew of tests. Some tests that are common to use in diagnosing this condition include: MRI, CT, nerve and joint blocks, ultrasound of the joints, radiographs, and nuclear scintigraphy.
Treatment is usually to manage the pain and inflammation the condition causes. There unfortunately is no cure for equine osteoarthritis. The mainstay of treatment currently is typically to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications in combination with other supplements to strengthen the bones. Some of the common medications used to treat the pain and inflammation include: Equioxx (firocoxib), Surpass topical (diclofenac), and Legend (hyaluranate).
Outside of treatment, prevention is the next best option for horses that may be predisposed or more likely to have the condition. As discussed before, these horses are typically those involved in equine sports and racing. Starting supplements that promote bone health such as glucoasmine and hyaluronic acid can improve bone integrity. Proper shoeing and hoof care will alleviate pressure on the horses hooves. Managing their weight so as to reduce the likelihood of obesity will help reduce pressure on joints. Lastly limiting amount of work or time on hard surfaces and promoting work on softer surfaces will also benefit the horse in the long run.
Overall, although this condition can be quite painful for horses, there are many options available to not only treat but also prevent the condition from occurring. Thank you for reading my article.
Best,
Walker C. Brown
