Detecting And Treating Horse Arthritis
Many people consider arthritis to be a human affliction
, but it is also common in many animals as well. Joint problems can quickly end a career in racing or performance if not treated properly. Arthritis is often a show-stopper even when treated quickly.
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease which causes lameness. The most commonly affected areas are the upper knee joint, the front fetlocks, hocks, or coffin joints in the front feet. It is not strictly limited to those areas.
Joints are affected when the fluid that provides lubrication in normal joints begins to thin. The decrease in lubrication causes the cartilage cushion between bones to break down. Eventually pain occurs when the bones begin to grind directly against one another.
Risk Factors
Horse Arthritis is often hereditary, but can also be caused by injuries, loose joints or abnormal growth patterns. If a horse has crooked legs, it is overworked, or if it is generally not physically fit, it may be at higher risk for developing joint degeneration.
Age affects a horse's risk for joint diseases. When they reach about 15 years old, they become more prone to arthritis because their cartilage starts to wear out faster than it is being produced. Older tendons and ligaments become more elastic, which can result in joint instability and inflammation.
Treatment
The good news for owners is that arthritis is a treatable condition. If it is detected early enough, it can be managed, and in some cases the damage may even be reversed. This means that it is important for owners to know the warning signs and early symptoms of joint pain in horses.
Pay attention to any changes in performance, such as declines or changes in general attitude. Horses with arthritis may appear slightly lame or have an obvious limp. They may also exhibit mild swelling and heat in the affected joint, decreased range of motion, or increased stiffness.
If you recognize any of these symptoms in your horse, it is important to have it examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose possible joint problems. The veterinarian will use diagnostic tools such as X-rays, joint fluid analysis, observation of various gaits, and ultrasound.
If it is determined that your horse has arthritis, the treatment prescribed will depend on the severity of the condition and the amount of work the animal needs to perform. In mild cases, stall rest and ice packs may be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation. In the most severe cases, surgery may be required to clean the affected joints or fuse them together depending on the diagnosis.
By catching symptoms while the disease is in its early stages and less severe, you will be able to treat the condition more easily. In the early stages, cartilage may not be damaged yet and a lot of good can be accomplished by allowing the horse to rest and receive anti-inflammatory treatment and physical therapy.
In some cases, drugs to treat pain and reduce inflammation may be a good option. Options range from topical solutions to oral medication or injections. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about long term relief and healing, as well as any side effects of medication they would like to prescribe.
When treating a horse for arthritis, it's a good idea to work on rebuilding the cartilage where possible in addition to managing the pain. There are several available treatments that can protect existing cartilage while also rebuilding it.
By looking for early signs and risk factors of arthritis, you can be sure to catch the disease early. Early detection will allow you time to provide your animal with the best treatment options for a long and healthy life.
by: Bob Fogli
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