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Once thought to affect only older animals, your horse can be affected by this disease at any age. The causes are many and varied, but in a young horse it is usually trauma related. Regardless of the cause, the result is a hot, swollen and very painful joint and the loss of function (lameness). Management or preventative methods are the only course of action, as osteoarthritis is incurable. A consultation with your equine veterinarian can provide a definitive diagnosis; supplementation, cold and heat therapy, and a new treatment called IRAP may provide relief for pain that your horse may be experiencing.
Osteoarthritis affects the joints of your horse and results in the slow progression of destruction to the cartilage lining the ends of the bones.
Osteoarthritis Average Cost
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Average Cost
$6,000
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There are two main symptoms with this disease:
These two symptoms do not always appear at the same time. Other signs of the disease are:
Types
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If your horse is exhibiting lameness, has swelling of the joints and is reluctant to move as he used to, contact your veterinarian for an appointment in order to determine what is causing the problem. Often, the veterinarian will observe your horse at trot to evaluate what joints are being affected. Putting a shot of local anaesthetic into the joint and seeing the improvement in your horse will allow the veterinary specialist to confirm that joint as the cause of the lameness.
Using radiographs (X-rays) will show which joints are affected and how badly. The images may show the narrowing of the joint space that results from cartilage destruction, or show a bone spur formation, or changing density within the bone. Although radiographs can show some things, it cannot show the cartilage. The use of a tool called an arthroscopy, which is a minute camera that is inserted into the joint, can show the cartilage and the damage done to this area. This process is expensive and involves surgery with the risks of anesthetizing your horse.
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Treatment cannot reverse this disease, but may help restrict further development of it. Any treatment will be aimed at reducing the pain to allow better movement of the joint. Rest alone may not be enough; your veterinarian may prescribe Phenylbutazone (bute) which is a pain killer that also helps alleviate the inflammation. Used in moderation, it can help during the initial stages of the disease, but it does produce side effects with long term use so is considered a short-term remedy. Other management solutions include oral supplements for your horse, corticosteroids which are strong anti-inflammatory agents, and hyaluronic acid which may help the lubrication of the joint and may stimulate normal joint fluid production.
Cold therapy hosing of the joint may help after exercising, or heat therapy such as bandages may help before exercise to loosen the joint up. A new therapy known as IRAP involves taking a sample of your horse’s blood, and harvesting the protein rich serum before injecting it into the affected joints. This process uses the natural white blood cell in the blood to stimulate anti-inflammatory agents. The result so far indicates an anti-inflammatory response and stimulation of the regeneration of cartilage cells. Still in its early stages, it shows a promising treatment for the early to moderate cases of osteoarthritis.
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This very complex disease can be managed with an appropriate veterinary regimen. A lot depends on the severity that your horse’s joints are affected, and treatment is aimed at reducing the further development of the disease and to reduce the pain. Treatment will not cure your horse, but it can lead to a relatively comfortable life. Each horse reacts differently to treatments, so it may take time to find what works best for your horse. If the disease is in its early stages, taking precautions such as heat therapy on the joints before exercise to loosen the joint will help, as will cold therapy applied after exercising (such as cold hosing of the joint). Magnetic boots are said to increase the circulation at the site encouraging free movement and healing. It may end a career in racing or jumping, but your horse will comfortably live out his days.
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Osteoarthritis Average Cost
From 236 quotes ranging from $4,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$6,000
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Ask a Vet
Muppet
Cross
27 Years
Moderate severity
1 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
What are the best joint supplements/ pain reducers for senior horses? My 27 year old mare who is ridden at a walk with occasional trotting 2 times a week. Lunged 3-5 times a week. All excercise is very light. She seems uncomfortable even walking some days.
Nov. 28, 2017
Muppet's Owner
1 Recommendations
There are many different joint supplements available for horses and knowing the equine world any favouritism over one type of supplement over another would create some disagreement in the comments area; whilst Muppet has a light exercise program, it may be best to cut out the lunging and trotting to reduce stress on the joints for a few weeks before deciding to go down the pain relief route. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 29, 2017
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Osteoarthritis Average Cost
From 236 quotes ranging from $4,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$6,000
Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
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