💉 Vet Guide to Joint Injection Frequency in Horses | 2025 Arthritis Management & Injection Safety 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Joint injections are a cornerstone of equine arthritis treatment—especially in performance horses. But how often is too often? While some trainers use injections on a schedule, most veterinarians approach them with caution. There’s no universal rule—but there are smart, science-backed guidelines to follow. 🧠💉🐎

This 2025 guide explains joint injection frequency, what signs to monitor, and when it’s time to consider alternative arthritis therapies. 🩺⚖️

🦴 Why Joint Injections Are Used

Joint injections are primarily used to manage **osteoarthritis (OA)** in horses. Arthritis damages joint cartilage and bone, triggering inflammation, pain, and reduced range of motion. Injections reduce that inflammation and restore performance. 🧬🔥

💡 Common Goals of Joint Injections:

• 📉 Decrease joint inflammation
• 💊 Relieve lameness or stiffness
• 🎯 Target localized joint pain (fetlock, hock, stifle, etc.)

They work best as part of a broader treatment plan—not a quick fix. 🤝

📅 How Often Should a Horse Be Injected?

There’s **no universally agreed-upon frequency** for joint injections. Some vets prefer no more than **twice a year**, while others may treat based on clinical response or lameness severity. Frequency must always be evaluated case by case. 🧪📊

🧠 Factors That Influence Frequency:

• 🐴 Severity and stage of arthritis
• 🏇 Workload and performance level
• 🦵 Specific joints affected
• 📆 Duration of relief from previous injections

**If relief lasts fewer weeks after each injection**, it may be a sign that the arthritis is worsening and joint injections alone are no longer enough. ⏳📉

⚠️ Risks of Frequent Joint Injections

While joint injections are safe when done properly, they’re not risk-free. Repeated or unnecessary injections increase the chances of: ❌

• 🦠 Joint infections (septic arthritis)
• 🧬 Cartilage damage with overuse of corticosteroids
• 🩺 Masking of worsening joint disease

That’s why routine, calendar-based injections—especially for “maintenance” without clear lameness—are discouraged. 💥🚫

💊 What’s in a Joint Injection?

There are several medications commonly used in equine joint therapy: 💉

1. **Corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone, betamethasone)**

• 💊 Reduce inflammation
• 🛡️ Can protect cartilage in certain joints when used judiciously

2. **Hyaluronic Acid (HA)**

• 🧴 Lubricates joint and reduces friction
• 🔁 Often combined with steroids

3. **Regenerative Therapies**

• 🩸 Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• 🧬 Stem cells
• 📊 Tend to promote healing vs. just symptom relief

4. **Alternative Options**

• ⚡ Shockwave therapy
• 📦 Oral or injectable systemic anti-inflammatories (e.g., Equioxx)

The choice of injection depends on the joint involved, the horse’s use, and the long-term goals. 🎯

🩺 When Injections Stop Working

If your horse needs joint injections **more than twice a year**, that’s a red flag. It may mean: 🚨

• 📉 The arthritis is progressing rapidly
• 🛠️ Underlying biomechanical issues are worsening joint wear
• 🧠 It’s time to switch to a different treatment strategy

In such cases, your vet may recommend regenerative options, systemic pain relief, or even lifestyle changes. 🧪📋

📱 Use Ask A Vet for Injection Planning

The Ask A Vet app helps you manage your horse’s arthritis care from anywhere. Use it to:

• 📊 Track injection dates, joints treated, and response time
• 📸 Upload lameness videos for expert analysis
• 🧬 Ask about alternative options to reduce frequency
• 📅 Get reminders for follow-ups and joint evaluations

Don’t guess—make informed, long-term decisions with help from equine veterinary experts. 🐎📲

✅ Joint Injection Takeaways

• 🦴 Injections reduce pain and inflammation in arthritic joints
• 📆 No strict rule, but aim for **no more than twice a year**
• ⚠️ Repeated injections carry infection and overuse risks
• 🧪 Combine with regenerative, systemic, or lifestyle therapies
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet to monitor effectiveness and stay proactive

📲 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Joint injections are a powerful tool—but like all medical therapies, they work best when used judiciously. Don’t fall into the trap of “routine maintenance” without diagnosis. Your horse deserves a thoughtful, personalized approach to arthritis care. 🧠💙

Download the Ask A Vet app today to get expert advice, monitor joint health, and build a safer, smarter plan for your performance horse in 2025. 🐎📱