{"id":14526,"date":"2023-01-16T17:41:22","date_gmt":"2023-01-16T21:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=14526"},"modified":"2023-01-16T17:45:10","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T21:45:10","slug":"arthritis-in-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/arthritis-in-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Identifying & Treating Arthritis & Osteoarthritis in Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There comes a time when most horses will begin to slow down. They seem to walk a little slower, step a little more cautiously, and the odd click and clack sounds start popping out of their joints when they step just a little awkwardly. Perhaps they also start being lame or walk stiffly more often, especially in winter. As a horse owner, you probably suspect it’s the dreaded A-word: arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what exactly is arthritis in horses? Is it like osteoarthritis, and how do you treat these to keep your equine partner comfortable and in work for as long as possible? Let’s find out.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    As always, the information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice for your horse. You should always consult with your vet when treating your horse.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Is Arthritis in Horses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Arthritis, whether in horses or in people, is caused by chronic inflammation that has damaged the soft tissues of the joints.<\/strong> Because of this damage, the joints lose their flexibility and become stiffer. Without your joints’ flexibility, movement becomes compromised, and the thickened joints also cause moderate to severe pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While arthritis is a painful fate for anyone (horse or human), horses suffer particularly because of arthritis due to their large size and heavy weight. The horse’s joints have to carry more weight, and with all the delicate ligaments, tendons, and joints, horses have a much more complicated suspensory mechanism to keep them upright and moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Inflammation is a natural response of the body to mend micro-tears of the delicate joint tissues that are caused by injuries and daily movement. Excessive exercise and concussion can be some of the reasons that joint tissue becomes damaged, but the result is the same: inflammation. With the healing process of inflammation, the joint cartilage thickens and becomes a little less flexible each time it heals. The result is arthritis.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Is Arthritis Different From Osteoarthritis in Horses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When arthritis in horses goes unmanaged, and the inflammatory response increases, the condition becomes chronic, and the horse is said to have developed osteoarthritis. When a horse has osteoarthritis, they have a degenerative joint disease<\/a>, which means the condition worsens over time, regardless of whether the horse is in work or simply living a quiet life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is no cure for arthritis and osteoarthritis in horses.<\/strong> Management of the inflammation in arthritis and pain management in osteoarthritis with supportive treatment can help minimize the horse’s suffering and delay the inevitable decision that a caring horse owner would have to make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With appropriate management, early identification, and adequate supplementation, a horse can live many years without suffering and enjoy a full life.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"arthritis<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Signs of Arthritis in Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you suspect your horse has developed arthritis, you can look for the following early warning signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n