Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of lameness and performance decline in horses, estimates say that 60 percent of all lameness is due to osteoarthritis according to UC Davis.
Understanding it doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is important to have a basic understanding so you can be prepared to step in if you notice your horse suffering from the condition.
Equine osteoarthritis (OA) affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. When we speak about arthritis, typically this refers to some sort of inflammation in the joint. Whether your horse is a weekend trail partner or a high-level performance athlete, OA can impact his comfort and longevity.
We’ll be bringing you information about this condition throughout the month of June, during our Osteoarthritis Awareness Month, brought to you by our friends at Zycosan.
Let’s get a basic understanding of OA in three steps:
1. It’s a Degenerative Joint Disease
This condition can occur in any synovial joint. These joints allow movement between bones, and and are filled with synovial fluid released by cells of the synovial membrane that helps cushion the joint. This fluid also provides nutrients to the cartilage and lubrication that facilitates joint movement.
The most common cause of most joint disease is a breakdown or loss of the cartilage. What causes that? Anything from repetitive, heavy use of the joint, to a catastrophic fall or accident, and sometimes, the cartilage in the joint is abnormal to begin with.
2. It’s Not Picky About Age, Breed, or Gender
Osteoarthritis doesn’t care if your horse is a mare, gelding, or stallion. It can impact horses of any age, although it does tend to worsen with age. OA also doesn’t happen overnight. Oftentimes, hard-working performance horses that are experiencing repeated strain to their joints will develop this condition over their career. Poor conformation doesn’t help, and can often exacerbate the problem.
Although OA is most common in older horses or performance horses with a lengthy career, it can impact even young horses, especially those born with poor conformation or who experience strenuous training before their body is prepared.
3. OA is Progressive
It’s not a pleasant thought, but Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, meaning it often worsens with age and activity, and there is no current cure. The best thing you can do for your horse is to watch him closely for signs of lameness, stiffness, or discomfort. Early intervention is key in keeping your horse comfortable and finding an effective treatment plan that increases his longevity.
Know your horse’s baseline health. Take a close look at him every day, watch how he moves, and if he seems off. When you ride, check in during your sessions and note any sudden behavioral changes or stiffness. The more you pay attention to your horse and know his baseline comfort level, the quicker you will pick up on changes that might be an indicator of something serious.
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