Veterinary

Equine Arthritis

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a common condition affecting horses, particularly as they age. This chronic and progressive disease leads to joint inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility, impacting a horse’s comfort and performance.

Equine arthritis is a common degenerative joint condition that affects horses of all ages but is particularly prevalent in older and performance horses. This progressive disease results in joint inflammation, stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility, ultimately impacting a horse’s quality of life and performance capabilities.

Causes of Arthritis in Horses

Several factors contribute to the development of arthritis including:

  • Age-Related Wear and Tear – Natural degeneration of cartilage over time.
  • Conformation Issues – Poor limb alignment increasing joint strain.
  • Previous Injuries – Trauma, fractures, or ligament damage leading to joint instability.
  • Intensive Workload – High-impact disciplines like eventing or racing accelerating cartilage breakdown.
  • Infections – Joint infections (septic arthritis) causing significant damage.

Recognising the Symptoms

Arthritis often develops gradually, making early identification crucial. Key signs include:

  • Stiffness and Reduced Flexibility – Particularly noticeable after rest.
  • Lameness – Intermittent or persistent, often worsening in cold weather.
  • Joint Swelling and Heat – Indicative of inflammation.
  • Reluctance to Move or Perform Usual Activities – Resistance to work or difficulty in bending limbs.
  • Behavioural Changes – Signs of discomfort such as irritability when being tacked up.

Diagnosis and Veterinary Assessment

A thorough veterinary evaluation is essential for diagnosing arthritis. This typically involves:

  • Clinical Examination – Assessing gait, range of motion, and joint health.
  • Flexion Tests – Evaluating lameness following joint flexion.
  • Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to assess joint damage.
  • Synovial Fluid Analysis – Identifying inflammation or infection.

Managing Arthritis in Horses

While arthritis cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed and symptoms effectively managed. Treatment options include:

  1. Medication & Veterinary Treatments
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Such as phenylbutazone (bute) to manage pain.
  • Joint Injections – Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
  • Biologic Therapies – Regenerative treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or Stem Cell treatments are proving to have positive effects on some horses.
  1. Nutritional Support & Supplements
  • Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulphate – Supporting cartilage health.
  • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – Reducing inflammation and promoting joint flexibility.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in flaxseed to aid joint lubrication.
  1. Lifestyle & Management Adjustments
  • Consistent, Low-Impact Exercise – Gentle movement helps maintain joint function.
  • Weight Management – Reducing strain on joints.
  • Appropriate Hoof Care – Correct trimming and shoeing to improve alignment.
  • Warmth & Comfort – Keeping horses warm in winter with appropriate rugs.

Preventing Arthritis in Horses

While not all cases can be prevented, steps can be taken to minimise risk:

  • Implement a structured conditioning programme to avoid overloading joints.
  • Provide balanced nutrition to support joint development and health.
  • Ensure correct footing and surfaces for exercise to prevent excessive strain.
  • Regular veterinary check-ups to identify and manage early signs.

Caring for an Arthritic Horse

With proper management, horses with arthritis can continue to lead active, comfortable lives. If you suspect your horse may be showing signs of joint discomfort, consult your equine vet for an early diagnosis and a tailored management plan.

Why Regular Worm Egg Counts Are Essential for Your Horse’s Health

Managing your horse’s parasite load is a key aspect of their healthcare routine. Gone are the days of routine deworming without testing—modern veterinary advice focuses on targeted parasite control, with regular worm egg counts (WECs) playing a vital role.

As horses age, their immune systems become less efficient, making them more susceptible to internal parasites. Effective worming strategies are crucial to maintaining their overall health, preventing weight loss, digestive issues, and colic. Regular parasite control tailored to an older horse’s needs is essential for their long-term well-being.

The Risks of Parasitic Infections in Older Horses

Older horses are at an increased risk of complications from worm burdens due to several factors, including:

  1. Weakened Immune System
  • As horses age, their ability to fight off parasitic infections declines, making them more vulnerable to higher worm burdens.
  1. Weight Loss and Poor Condition
  • Parasitic infections can prevent the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to weight loss and a dull coat.
  1. Colic and Digestive Issues
  • Worms such as large strongyles and tapeworms can cause blockages or damage to the gut, increasing the risk of colic.

Why Are Worm Egg Counts Important?  A worm egg count is a simple test that examines your horse’s manure to determine the number of parasite eggs present. This helps identify whether your horse has a low, moderate, or high worm burden, allowing you to treat only when necessary. Many horses have low or no significant worm burdens and do not need frequent deworming, helping to reduce the risk of parasite resistance—a growing problem where worms become immune to dewormers. By using WECs, we can ensure that only horses with high burdens receive treatment, protecting the long-term effectiveness of deworming drugs.

How Often Should Worm Egg Counts Be Done?

  • Spring (March-April): A baseline WEC helps determine the level of parasites your horse is carrying as grazing increases.
  • Summer (June-July): WECs should be done every 12 weeks to monitor parasite levels, particularly for horses on shared grazing.
  • Autumn (September-October): A final test can indicate whether any treatment is needed before winter.

We still recommend a dose of Equest Pramox (included in our Worm Packs) in late autumn or early winter to target encysted small redworms and tapeworms (not testable in a WEC) before winter turnout.

A beautiful brown horse stands gracefully in a lush green pasture, surrounded by nature.