Degenerative arthritis mainly affects the weight bearing joints of a horse. It is caused mostly by some injury or by daily life wear and tear. Lack of nutritious feed and minerals, old age, reaction to some elixirs, and infection are some of other reasons.

The joints of a steed are always bearing some stress, even when a horse is standing still. Normally the space between bones is padded with cartilages which empower fluid movement of the joints. However, when the cartilages are damaged, pain and inflammation is felt as the bones rub against each other. As a result, the movement in the joint gets difficult.

In equines there is a metabolic change that takes place around the age of fifteen years. This triggers a rather swift breakup of cells in bones and cartilages. There is a lubricating liquid found in the joints called synovial fluid. This fluid starts to get thinner. Thinner synovial fluid is not effective for lubrication. With decreased lubrication the cartilages begin to breakdown and lose their ability to absorb shock leading to arteritis

Due to burdensome activities throughout the life, the alignment of bones and cartilages also gets distorted. This makes amount more prone to begin arthritis. Although degenerative arthritis is possible in any joint but it is mostly viewed in the upper knee joint, hocks, front fetlocks and in the coffin joints of the front feet. Abnormal growth of some body parts, like crooked legs, also increases chances of arthritis. Due to their strenuous life style, horses mostly suffer from long term degenerative joint disease.

Symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis in equines can take very long time to become clearly visible. A horse may appear healthy but arthritis may be developing by in its joints. The very first signs indicating arthritis in a mount are stiffness after daily activities and a bit puffy joints. Some of the more potent still subtle signs include, draining abscess over eyes, fevers, weight loss, difficulty in chewing and prehending, depressed, stiff, choppy and altered gait, reluctivity to perform regular activities, Slightly puffy lower leg joints, crackling sound from the joint.

Progression through stages: At the commencement there is slight swelling only in the joint. Due to daily wear and tear some cartilage pieces break up and cause irritation in adjoining muscles. Slight stiffness after normal physical education is seen. The synovial liquid becomes thinner which decreases the lubrication in the joints.

Diagnosis and management: Arthritis in horses is not incurable if detected at the right time. So, as soon as the signs of arthritis are seen, you must consult some veterinary specialist. Visual examination, X-rays, ultrasound, radiography and joint milk examination are some of the ways of diagnosis. Once horse arthritis has been diagnosed there are many drugs which can be used depending on the severity, age and normal activities expected of the horse. horse doctors mostly use non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and antibiotics for relieving swelling and pain. However use of NSAIDs may lead to some other complications.

medicinals, like sodium hyaluronate, are injected directly in the joints. It helps in speedy regeneration of the cartilage. Massaging ointments also can be helpful to decrease swelling and swelling. There are certain food supplements for improving joint health particularly. With regular movements, proper nutrition and medical help, arthritis can be cured.

If your horse does not respond to medication and repeated surgeries, euthanising it remains the last option.

How to look after such horses: Regular movement is necessary. It keeps circulation of the nutrients into the joints. It also helps to let the wastes come out of the joints. physical education also helps in improving digestion, appetite and over all good health. Living in a paddock and grazing in a pasture is the best for a horse. Also the horse should not be overloaded with excessive physical activity and load.

Unless advised by the vet, confinements should be avoided. Some specific meals are considered to have a very good effect on the joints. A proper food supplemented with minerals in consultation with your horse doctor will be helpful. Gentle massage or movement of the affected joints, ease out joints. A warm up before daily activities keeps a horse healthy.