Horses with arthritis are treated with oral supplements, a lean diet and heavy bedding in the stall. Get regular x-rays of an arthritic horse to monitor its progress with helpful information from a farm manager and on-site veterinarian in this free video on horses.
Arthritis is a very common disease in horses. Some of the older mares we have here in Palmetto Arabians that are retired brood mares have developed arthritis. We monitor them to be sure that they are comfortable but unless they show signs that they are not comfortable we pretty much just leave them alone. They have at least eight hours a day on the pasture in order to move around and promote blood being pumped throughout their body and we really watch their diet and be sure that they don't become too heavy because the heavier a horse is on it's joints the more the joints will become inflamed and the arthritis will affect the horse's movement. If a young horse that is in work has developed arthritis, it will be necessary for that horse to have stall rest, time off of work, hand walking and limited paddock turnout until the joints have time to recover. One simple solution that can be solved for a horse that has arthritis is heavy bedding in the stall. On the market today there are many different oral supplements that can be given to your horse known as joint nutraceuticals. They include, chondroitin, hyronic acid, and glucosamine. If your horse is acutely being affected by arthritis, Phenobutazone may be given to reduce inflammation and allow the joint to return to its normal function. After having x-rays by your veterinarian they will recommend what you should do for your horse arthritis. X-rays may also reveal bone chips and bony changes in your horse's joint. Your veterinarian and surgeon will discuss possible removal or surgery. As a last resort it maybe necessary to fuse the joints together in order for the horse to live a happy healthy life.
Specialty: Horse Health
