Literally, arthritis simply means inflammation of the joints. It’s exactly the same for horses as it is for humans; joints become very painful and movement is reduced. The cause of the inflammation can be trauma, infection, abnormal growth of the cartilage, or reactions to medication. In horses, arthritis may mean a short-term problem, or a long-term degenerative problem. The most common form is the latter, also named DJD “Degenerative Joint Disease” and is irreversible.
As with elderly people most older horses have some level of Arthritis, Most just show as general stiffness of their limbs. This usually loosens up as they walk around or they may feel a little stiff for the first 5-10 minutes of being ridden. This type usually responds well to Herbal or Homeopathic remedies although we have found that what helps one horse may not necessarily help another so it can be expensive finding something that works.
Arthritis horses are also effected by the weather, damp conditions make them worse but also extreme hot or cold weather can effect them as they tend to stand around for long periods in one position so that when they do move they have stiffened up.
Old injuries to joints/spine such as fractures or some sort of trauma usually become Arthritic later on in life, this can be long after the
original injury.
Horses can have acute attacks of Arthritis, if they wrench or put some undue strain on an effected joint the Arthritis will flare up causing heat, swelling and normally a lot of pain. This will require veterinary attention, pain killers and anti-inflamatories are usually given, sometimes box rest will help and sometimes light controlled exercise.
Each bout of Arthritis causes bony deposits to be formed in and around the effected joint. This restricts the movement of that joint so that it cannot flex as it used to. The horse may appear uneven or in extreme cases quite lame but once the Arthritis itself has died down there is rarely any pain. In less severe cases regular light exercise keeps the joint mobile but there is no permanent cure.
Many horses can still lead quite active lives, even working ones, depending on the severity of their particular case.
