Arthritis Treatment in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Managing Joint Pain & Improving Mobility 🦴🐴
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Arthritis Treatment in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Guide to Managing Joint Pain & Improving Mobility 🦴🐴
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and poor performance in horses. Whether it affects a top athlete or a retired senior, arthritis can limit mobility, cause stiffness, and reduce quality of life. In 2025, effective treatment requires understanding the three types of arthritis pain and tailoring therapies accordingly. Let’s explore modern strategies to manage equine arthritis with science-backed care.
What Is Equine Arthritis? 🤔
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint, typically involving:
- Cartilage erosion
- Joint capsule thickening
- Synovial inflammation
- Bone remodeling (bone spurs)
Also called osteoarthritis, it is a progressive condition with no known cure. But with early diagnosis and proper care, many horses remain active and comfortable.
Joints Most Commonly Affected 🐎
- Knees (carpi)
- Fetlocks
- Hocks (tarsi)
- Stifles
Signs of Arthritis 📋
- Lameness that worsens with exercise
- Swelling and heat in joints
- Stiffness, especially after rest
- Grinding, popping, or enlargement of joints
- Reluctance to move, jump, or bend
The Three Types of Arthritis Pain 🧠
1. Nociceptive Pain
Caused by direct activation of pain receptors in the joint.
2. Inflammatory Pain
Triggered by cytokines and enzymes that inflame and sensitize the joint.
3. Neuropathic Pain
Results from nerve pathway changes due to chronic inflammation or injury, making the horse more sensitive to normal movement.
Managing arthritis requires addressing all three types of pain for the best outcomes.
Diagnosis 🔬
- Veterinary exam with flexion tests
- Radiographs (X-rays) to detect joint space narrowing, osteophytes, or bone remodeling
- In early cases, x-rays may appear normal—further diagnostics like ultrasound or joint blocks may help
Arthritis Treatment Options ✅
1. Weight Management ⚖️
- Excess weight worsens joint strain
- Even a small weight loss reduces inflammation and pain
2. Joint Injections 💉
- Best for horses with arthritis in one or two joints
- Options include:
- Corticosteroids – reduce inflammation
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) – improves lubrication
- Biologic therapies (IRAP, PRP)
- Injections carry low but real risks, such as infection or joint flare
3. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories) 💊
- Phenylbutazone (“bute”), firocoxib (Equioxx), or ketoprofen
- Effective short-term, but long-term use can cause ulcers or kidney stress
4. Supplements 🌿
- Choose evidence-supported products like:
- Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
- Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)
- Ask your vet for guidance—many products are unregulated
5. Physical Rehabilitation & Modalities 🧘
- Controlled turnout and light exercise maintain joint motion
- Other options:
- Water treadmill therapy
- Shockwave
- Acupuncture or chiropractic
6. Regenerative Therapies 🧬
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP)
- Stem cell therapy
What Doesn’t Work ❌
- Unproven joint supplements or “miracle” products
- Excessive stall rest – movement is necessary for joint health
Case Example: Senior Barrel Horse with Hock Arthritis
- 12-year-old mare presented with mild hock swelling and reluctance to turn
- Radiographs confirmed early arthritis in both hocks
- Started on Equioxx, joint injections, and MSM supplement
- Returned to work with improved stride and comfort
FAQs About Arthritis in Horses
Q: Can arthritis be reversed?
A: No. But progression can be slowed, and pain can be well managed.
Q: Is arthritis only in older horses?
A: No. Even younger performance horses can develop arthritis from repetitive stress.
Q: Can I give human arthritis supplements to horses?
A: Only with veterinary guidance. Many are not dosed or formulated for equine metabolism.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a lifelong condition, but not a career-ending one. With a thoughtful, multi-modal approach addressing inflammation, pain, and joint mobility, your horse can continue to work or enjoy retirement in comfort. In 2025, equine medicine emphasizes early detection, science-backed supplements, and personalized care to keep our horses moving freely.
Need a customized arthritis plan for your horse? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to connect with Dr Duncan Houston for tailored support in managing equine joint health. 🩺🐴
