Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint. It may occur that permanent damage has been caused to the joint, which is painful to the horse.
Navicular disease, ringbone and spavins are all forms of arthritis, which can be dealt with individually. Every joint of the body is potentially a site of arthritis.
Most cases of arthritis occur through wear and tear on joint surfaces, because of this arthritis is very common with horses that have been very active athletically and in older horses.
Affected joints are often painful and therefore swollen because of the increase in the amount of joint fluid. There are also warm. On x-ray the characteristic finding is that new bone has been formed around the arthritic joint.
Any joint which is painful for more than a day or two should be viewed as possibly having arthritis, so the vet should be called.
There are many ways of approaching arthritis with treatment. Often vets will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug such as phenylbutazone, i.e. Bute; there are a number of alternative treatments that can aid arthritis.

Acupuncture- Acupuncture is a widely used form of alternative therapy but has the disadvantage of needing several sessions close together at the beginning of treatment to gauge it's effectiveness. To find a vet who uses acupuncture you should contact the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA).

Aromatherapy- Arthritis worsens when the cold, damp winter weather sets in. Peppermint has anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties and can aidthe aches and pains of an arthritic horse. Try to apply the oil, diluted in warm water, as a compress. Peppermint also stimulates the circulation, so will help older horses with poor circulation.

Magnetic Therapy- A range of rugs and products are available to help ease aches and stiffness associated with arthritis or old age. Magnetic wraps can be used to treat a whole range of leg and joint complaints, and may be found to suit specific problem areas, such as the fetlock, hock, knees etc.
Magnets work by increasing blood circulation beneath the pad, which promotes the removal of waste products (toxins) and effective utilisation of oxygen. This helps to reduce the pain and swelling and helps the body heal itself.
Magnetic products should not be used during exercise or while the horse is turned out.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements- There is a wide range of herbal treatments and supplements on the market, designed to help maintain supple joints in older or stiff horses.
Super Solvitax has a joint formula called Mobility, which has very good recommendations. It contains Celery Seed, Lime and Cinnamon Bark. This formula will promote the blood supply to the legs and feet and so will help maintain mobility, whilst its other properties will also maintain a healthy renal system. Excessive water retention may otherwise cause swelling or discomfort. R~A Formula is also supplied which is specifically marketed for arthritis. In severe cases there is Double Strength R~A Formula contains a concentrated blend of highly selected and refined fish oils. These are rich in the Essential Fatty acids EPA and DHA. Research has indicated that increased levels of EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to maintain pain-free, supple and mobile joints in horses and ponies. These two important nutrients have been identified as being extremely beneficial in helping to maintain a healthy heart and good circulation.
Hilton Reflex or Multiflex available from Hilton Herbs is a blend of herbs, which help to support the endocrine and lymphatic system and improve circulation as well as Devil's Claw, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Horse Health produce Yucca Pellets which are proven to have excellent results when aiding arthritis. This product is featured in the Member Recommendations.

Photographs show the devloping fusion of the off hock, this may lead to severe arthritis in later years, or in fact now. This pony was used heavily for show jumping and this injury may have been caused through constant pressure on the joints.

For further information on products that can assist this ailment please call our welfare department. 0870 2426653

BACK<<