Over the years, veterinary care, nutrition, and management have contributed to improving the lifespan of the horse. As horses age, lifetime activity can cause wear and tear in their joints which can lead to arthritis.
The complex structure of joints is composed of several connective tissues including synovial fluid (joint fluid), a lining called the synodical membrane, supportive soft tissue structures, cartilage, and bone. The soft connective tissues are responsible for the smooth functioning of the limb.
Over time, the loss of muscle and tissue caused in the joints will develop arthritis.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis in horses means joint inflammation and reduction in the connecting tissues. It can happen at any age but it is mostly found in older horses where a horse loses the elasticity in its ligaments and tendons.
The aging factor causes thinning of the joint cartilage due to the high death rate of fibrous tissue cells.
These changes reduce the natural shock-absorbing capabilities of the horse. Sometimes arthritis can cause uneven joint surface which amplifies the pressure points and misalignments.
Past infection, health history, and joint injuries can increase the chances of developing joint pain or arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
- Permanent or temporary stiffness
- Abnormal shoe wear
- Reluctance to lie down
- Work avoidance or unwillingness to perform the easy tasks
- Warmth or pain in the joint
- Abnormal sleeping behaviors
- Difficulties in showing and trimming
- Subtle changes in the way your horse moves, such as raising of the head, hollowing of the back, or shortening of stride
Determine the Extent of The Problem
Contact your veterinarian if your horse is showing any of these abnormal signs. Have a complete physical checkup to find the root cause of the problem. It will help to develop a treatment plan that pinpoints the affected areas.
Treatment of Horses Arthritis
Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS) is a 100% drug and chemical-free solution for arthritis. This advanced regenerative cell therapy process is developed from the interleukins.
It regenerates cells present in the horse’s blood and treats various ailments with no inherent side effects.
Diet
Along with the arthritis treatment, you need to change the normal diet of your horse.
A horse diet should include:
- High omega-3 fatty acids and low omega-6 fatty acids. Their ratio should be around 1:3 to 1:5. Omega-3 fatty acids had a longer stride length which helps in the reduction of inflammation.
- A high-quality supplement which contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, and other essential nutrients essential for the maintenance of healthy joint function.
- The adequate amount of natural vitamin E to support nerve tissues, healthy muscle, and a strong immune system. It also acts as a natural pain relief for horses.
Conclusion
As we enjoy the company of our horses into old age, it is necessary to pay close attention to problems that accompany aging and get proper treatment. Besides treatment, make some required adjustments in their diet to ensure a happy and healthy horse.