What Causes the Pain?

The joints of a horse always bear some stress, even when the animal is standing still. Normally, the space between the bones is padded with cartilage. That enables smooth movement of the joints. However, when the cartilage is damaged, the bones rub against each other. That results in pain, swelling and heat. Consequently, movement in the joint becomes difficult.

Aging

In horses there is a metabolic change around the age of fifteen years. This triggers a rather swift decay of cells in bones and cartilage. The lubricating fluid found in the joints, called synovial fluid, starts to thin. Thinner synovial fluid is not effective for lubrication. With decreased lubrication, cartilage begins to breakdown and lose its ability to absorb shock, leading to arthritis.

Due to demanding activities throughout life, the alignment of bones and cartilage also becomes distorted. This misalignment makes a horse more prone to develop arthritis. Although arthritis is possible in any joint but it is mostly found in the upper knee joint, hocks, front fetlocks and in the coffin joints of the front feet. Abnormal growth of some body parts, like crooked legs, also increases chances of arthritis. Because of their arduous life style, horses mostly suffer from long term degenerative joint disease.

Symptoms and Signs of Onset

Arthritis in horses can take very long time to become clearly visible. A horse may appear healthy, but arthritis may be developing in its joints. The very first signs are stiffness after daily activity and slightly puffy joints. Other signs include:

1. Draining abscess over eyes
2. Fevers
3. Weight loss
4. Difficulty in chewing and prehending
5. Depression
6. Stiff, choppy and altered gait
7. Resistance to regular activities
8. Slightly puffy lower leg joints
9. A crackling sound from the joint

Progression Through Stages

At the beginning, there is slight inflammation only in the joint, noticeable by puffiness, swelling and warmth to the touch. Due to daily wear and tear, some cartilage fragments break up and cause irritation in adjoining muscles. Slight stiffness after normal exercise occurs. The synovial fluid becomes thinner which decreases the lubrication in the joints.

In the later stages, ligaments that hold the joint get damaged. Bones get weaker and calcium is laid down in empty spaces in the joint. Some random bony protrusions bulge out on the surface of the bones in the joints. This causes severe pain and apparent disability. In this case surgery is almost unavoidable.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Arthritis in horses is not incurable if detected at the right time. So, as soon as the signs of arthritus are seen, you must consult a veterinary specialist. Visual examination, X-rays, ultrasound, radiography and joint fluid examination are some of the ways of diagnosing. Once horse arthritis has been diagnosed, there are many drugs to choose from, depending on the severity, age and normal activities expected of the horse. Veterinarians mostly use non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics for relieving inflammation and pain. However, use of NSAIDs can lead to some other complications.

Medicines, like sodium hyaluronate, are injected directly in the joints. It helps in speedy regeneration of the cartilage. Massaging ointments also can be helpful to decrease swelling and inflammation. There are certain food supplements for improving joint health particularly. With regular exercise, proper nutrition and medical help, arthritis can be cured.

If your horse does not respond to medication and repeated surgeries, euthanizing it remains the last option.

How to Look After Such Horses

Regular exercise is necessary. It keeps circulation of the nutrients to the joints. It also helps to let the wastes come out of the joints. Exercise aids digestion, appetite and over all good health. Living in a paddock and grazing in a pasture is the best for a horse. Also, the horse should not be overloaded with excessive physical activity and load.

Unless advised by the doctor, confinement should be avoided. Some specific diets are considered to have a very good effect on the joints. A proper diet supplemented with minerals in consultation with your veterinary specialist will be helpful. Gently massage or exercise of the affected joints. A warm up before daily activities keeps a horse healthy.