Injections, NSAIDS, Supplements…Oh My! How do you know what treatment is best for your horse suffering from osteoarthritis? The answer to this question will rely on the severity of his condition, and the plan that you and your vet some up with to manage his comfort level. Only you horse’s health care team can determine what is best for him, but we’ll quickly break down some of the options used to treat OA in horses, with the help of Zycosan.
Joint Injections
Our equine veterinarian contributor, Barb Crabbe, DVM, discusses the basics of joint treatments, including injections, one of the most common forms of therapies for horses with joint pain. Injections involve your vet injecting a medication directly into one of your horse’s joints.
Traditionally, this involved a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, often combined with hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication and an antibiotic to help prevent infection.
While corticosteroids remain a powerful and effective option in many cases, veterinary medicine has evolved. Today, there are a variety of joint injection therapies available, including regenerative treatments designed to promote healing, not just manage pain and inflammation.
[Test Your Joint Health Know-How!]
Hyaluronic Acid
HA injected directly into the joint provides lubrication and nutrition. Most commonly, HA will be injected in conjunction with a corticosteroid. HA injection can help improve overall joint health. As with steroids, direct injection into joints carries the risk for infection if proper precautions aren’t taken during the injection process. A single joint injection with HA will typically cost between $100 and $300. Similar to corticosteroids, cost will vary depending on what combination of medications is used.
NSAIDS
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Bute, Banamine, and Equioxx, work by blocking enzymes involved in the inflammation process. This not only helps reduce pain and lameness but also limits joint damage caused by inflammatory mediators, especially in the early stages of joint disease.
NSAIDs are generally effective, widely available, and relatively affordable. Since they’re administered systemically, they can help manage inflammation across multiple joints. However, long-term use can lead to side effects, particularly affecting the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
Read More From Our Contributing Vet About Arthritis Management Options
Injectables and Supplements
A pentosan polysulfate sodium injection such as Zycosan can help manage clinical signs of osteoarthritis in horses and improve their quality of life.
Oral supplements are another option for horses with arthritis. These feed additives contain a variety of different substances, most commonly including chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, or hyaluronic acid, that are believed to provide nutrition and protection to the joints. It can cost $100 per month or more to maintain your horse on an oral joint supplement.
Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP)
This treatment involves collecting and processing your horse’s blood to produce a substance that, when injected into a joint, blocks the receptors for interleukin, one of the key inflammatory mediators responsible for joint damage. This targeted approach helps reduce lameness, decrease synovial inflammation, and support cartilage health.
While highly effective, IRAP therapy is also costly. Preparation can run into the thousands, but typically yields enough for a series of two to three injections. There is also a small risk of adverse reaction after the second injection, which may include temporary swelling, heat, and discomfort in the joint.
Supportive Therapies
Alongside traditional medicine, your vet might suggest that you incorporate supplemental therapies to keep your horse comfortable. This can be as simple as weight management, or corrective shoeing, or alternative exercises to keep him moving without pain.
Farrier Care
Correct, consistent farrier work is crucial for horses with OA. Balanced hooves help reduce abnormal stress on the joints, which can worsen pain and inflammation. Your farrier may make small adjustments in trimming or shoeing to improve your horse’s comfort and joint alignment. In some cases, therapeutic shoes or pads can help absorb concussion and provide better support.
Weight Management
Excess weight puts additional strain on already-compromised joints, accelerating the progression of arthritis. Keeping your horse at a healthy body condition score can greatly reduce pressure on the limbs. A balanced diet tailored to your horse’s metabolism, paired with appropriate low-impact exercise, is key to effective weight control. Always consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist when making changes to your horse’s diet.
Acupuncture and Bodywork
Acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation in horses with OA. Often used alongside chiropractic care or massage therapy, acupuncture supports the body’s natural healing response. Bodywork like massage can also relieve tension that develops when a horse alters his movement to compensate due to joint pain.
Swimming and Hydrotherapy
If you have the resources near you, water-based exercise offers joint relief without the impact of weight-bearing movement. Swimming and underwater treadmills allow horses to build strength, improve range of motion, and maintain cardiovascular fitness in a low-impact environment. This type of therapy is especially useful during flare-ups or for horses that struggle with traditional exercise. Always introduce hydrotherapy under the guidance of an experienced rehab team.
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