What to do if my horse has arthritis and what can I do at home?

Disclaimer: This article and its content and related references does not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care.

Arthritis is a general term that refers to joint inflammation. While there are many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in horses. Osteoarthritis in horses is caused by general wear and tear on healthy joints over time, which leads to varying degrees of joint pain, lameness, and performance issues. There are many ways to treat a horse’s arthritic joints, both with veterinary care and home management. If you have an arthritic horse, read on to learn about:

• Signs of joint issues in horses
• Treatment of osteoarthritis in horses
• Riding and exercising a horse with arthritis

The treatment of osteoarthritis in horses varies between individuals, so no two treatment plans are the same. Every horse has different needs and will respond to management methods differently. Treatment for horses with arthritis may include care directly from a veterinarian, such as joint injections or prescription medication; alternative therapies, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic; or management methods that horse owners can do at home, including joint supplements, weight management, and appropriate exercise.

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation. There are three main types of arthritis in horses:

• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Traumatic arthritis
• Septic arthritis

Equine arthritis can be caused by injury to the joints (traumatic), joint infections (septic), or general wear and tear on the joints over time (OA).

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in horses. The condition develops over time as cartilage in joints breaks down with use, affecting overall joint function. As the breakdown of cartilage progresses, the bones of the joint begin to rub against each other, resulting in pain and inflammation.

When talking about arthritis in horses, OA is usually the condition being referred to. It can occur in any horse but is most often diagnosed in middle-aged to senior horses. When OA is present in younger horses, it’s often as a result of congenital joint conditions or developmental orthopedic diseases whereby the joints and the musculoskeletal system develop abnormally.

Signs of arthritis in horses

Signs of arthritis in horses become apparent as the disease affects joint function and causes inflamed joints and chronic pain. Symptoms of arthritis in horses can include:

• Altered gait
• Decreased ability to bear weight on the affected limb (lameness)
• Stiff joints, especially after rest
• Reduced range of motion
• Swollen joints

Behavioral signs of arthritis that horse owners may notice include:

• Poor performance (ring sour)
• Unwanted behaviors when being ridden, such as bucking or rearing
• Difficulty with the farrier
• Difficulty or unwillingness to stand from rest or lay down

Other signs of illness may be present if the inflamed joint is caused by an infection or systemic disease. With osteoarthritis, signs can be subtle at first but get worse over time as the disease progresses. In cases of traumatic or septic arthritis, symptoms may be sudden and more obvious.

The treatment plan for horses with arthritis depends on what kind of arthritis they have and the severity of the condition. Some types of arthritis can be cured with treatment, such as inflamed joints caused by infection or systemic disease. However, osteoarthritis in horses is a progressive, incurable disease.

“There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for horses with arthritis,” explains Dr. Jamie Lecky, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Each patient is different, will have different needs, and will respond differently to various treatment methods.”

The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of deteriorating joint function, manage symptoms, and provide a good quality of life for as long as possible. There are various treatment options, both by a veterinarian and at home on your own with veterinary guidance.

Veterinary care

Some osteoarthritis treatments that may be advised and carried out by a veterinarian include:

• Prescribed oral pain medication
• Administration of intravenous (IV) medication
• Injecting joints with steroids, hyaluronic acid, and regenerative medicines like platelet-rich plasma
• Acupuncture
• Surgery

At-home management

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in horses can also be managed with various methods at home, such as:

• Joint supplements
• Weight management
• Exercise modification
• Administering medication as prescribed
• Ice boots
• Physical therapy
• Specialized hoof trimming/shoeing with the advice of a veterinarian or skilled farrier

These treatment methods can be done by horse owners at home, but a veterinarian’s guidance is essential to ensure they’re safe and beneficial. An online vet is a great way to check in about symptoms and altering home management as the disease progresses.

Joint supplements are a common way to promote healthy joints in horses and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. The true beneficial effects of many joint supplements are still being studied. However, there is some evidence to suggest they can be helpful in arthritis prevention and management. It’s unlikely for joint health supplements for horses to be harmful, making them a popular treatment for horses with osteoarthritis.

Some popular supplement ingredients for horses include:

• Glucosamine: An amino acid used to build joint cartilage and connective tissue
• Chondroitin sulfate: A molecule found in joint cartilage and works in conjunction with glucosamine
• Methionine: An amino acid that helps the body absorb glucosamine and helps create collagen
• Minerals: Trace copper, zinc, and magnesium to help collagen formation
• Antioxidants: Help reduce inflammation and aid in collagen maturation
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Have an anti-inflammatory effect on joints
• Hyaluronic acid: Responsible for joint lubrication and fluid in the joint capsule

Dietary supplements for horses are not regulated like prescription medications are, so not all are effective or helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Talk to a veterinarian for a supplement recommendation that may help your arthritic horse.

Most horses with arthritis will benefit from appropriate exercise to keep the joints moving. The type of exercise and footing an arthritic horse is worked in may affect their soundness. Many horses with osteoarthritis can still be ridden with appropriate workloads for their condition. Flat trails with even footing are often the best choice for riding out. Ring riding should be done with footing that’s not too soft, hard, or deep. Special warm-ups and cooldowns may also be recommended to help protect arthritic joints in horses.

Appropriate workload and activity levels vary between individuals and can change as the disease progresses. It’s best to work with a veterinarian to determine the best exercise level for your horse and whether it’s safe to ride them regularly. Every horse is different and will have different needs. A virtual vet visit is a great way to talk to a veterinarian about your horse’s condition and receive advice on exercise, supplements, and other treatment methods for their arthritis.

What is the best joint supplement for horses with arthritis?

Popular supplement ingredients for healthy joints in horses include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, antioxidants, methionine, and mineral supplements. Joint supplements have been shown to provide beneficial effects on joint health, slow the progression of osteoarthritis, and improve overall joint function. Talk to a vet for a recommendation on an effective supplement for your horse.

Can you ride a horse with arthritis?

Many horses with arthritis can still be ridden, but some precautions may be needed. Therapeutic hoof trimming and shoeing of the horse may be advised in specific cases of OA. Special warm-ups or cooldowns may be recommended, and trails that are hilly or uneven may need to be avoided as the disease progresses. Every horse is different, so talk to a vet about the safest way to ride and exercise your horse.

How is arthritis treated in horses?

The treatment of osteoarthritis in horses varies between individuals. Treatment may involve medication, joint supplements, physical therapy, joint injections, weight management, and a variety of other treatment options. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for horses with osteoarthritis, so some methods may work for your horse better than others.