Arthritis in Horses
Arthritis is a common issue for both us and our horses. One in six adult horses suffers from it, and 60% of lameness cases are attributed to it. Also known as osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a frequent concern for horses during their careers or as they age.
Changes in the Joint
Arthritis eventually leads to the loss of joint cartilage, bone changes, and a reduction in the joint space, which causes pain, discomfort, limited mobility, and decreased athletic performance. To understand the exact processes, it's important to ask: how is a joint actually structured?
Joints are movable connections between bone structures. A joint consists of the joint surfaces of the involved bones, covered with cartilage, the fluid-filled joint space, and the joint capsule or joint cavity.
The cartilage layer is often only a few millimeters thick and acts as a buffer. During movement, the individual cartilage cells absorb fluid, while at rest, they release fluid. Full pressure elasticity is achieved when the cells are fully hydrated. This is one reason why proper warm-up exercises are beneficial for horses, just as they are for humans.
Inside the joint capsule, the synovial membrane (synovialis) produces joint fluid (synovia). Synovia contains water, proteins, and lipids, reducing friction between the joint surfaces and nourishing the cartilage. Joint diseases can alter the synovia, impairing the function of the joint lubrication.
Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis often develops as a result of the natural wear and tear of joints over time. However, it can also occur due to injuries, misalignments, or incorrect loading, particularly during the growth phase, leading to irreversible joint damage. Along with overuse, insufficient movement over time can contribute to cartilage breakdown, as the equine joint relies on physiological movement to optimally nourish all involved structures. This is partly because joints do not have blood vessels and rely solely on synovia for nutrition.
The breakdown of cartilage leads to a diminished "buffer function" in the joint. Additionally, the production of synovia may decrease, further affecting joint health.
Supporting Horses with Arthritis
To help manage or prevent arthritis, regular movement is essential. A balanced exercise routine ensures proper joint function, and for arthritic horses, controlling weight, managing stress, and providing anti-inflammatory supplements can be beneficial. Proper nutrition, including joint supplements that contain chondroprotective agents like glucosamine, MSM, and hyaluronic acid, can support cartilage repair and protect against further damage.
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Early Signs of Joint Problems in Horses
Early signs that your horse may be suffering from joint issues include:
- Swelling in the joints
- Stiffness and reduced joint mobility
- Lameness or uneven gait
- Loss of interest in work
- Changes in performance or behavior
- Difficulty or reluctance to lie down
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no cure for arthritis, but there are various treatment options to prevent or reduce inflammation and the resulting damage.
Key Treatment Strategies:
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Regular Movement and Exercise
Especially for horses with arthritis, providing ample turnout and daily exercise is crucial. Gentle, consistent movement helps maintain joint function and reduces stiffness. Proper warming up before any exercise is essential to prevent further stress on the joints. -
Veterinary Care
Alongside standard veterinary care, several supplements and treatments can help manage arthritis symptoms. These include:-
Classical Anti-inflammatory Drugs
These help reduce chronic inflammation in the joints. -
Curcumin
The active compound in turmeric, curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic, and pain-relieving properties, making it beneficial for managing arthritis-related inflammation and discomfort. -
Boswellia Serrata (Indian Frankincense)
Known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, Boswellia can be a helpful supplement for horses with arthritis. -
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
A form of organic sulfur, MSM plays a role in cartilage regeneration and the production of joint fluid, which helps support joint health. -
Hyaluronic Acid
Contributing to the formation of normal joint fluid, hyaluronic acid helps lubricate joints, reduce friction, and ease movement. -
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a key building block for the cartilage matrix, increasing the content of glycosaminoglycans in the joint. It helps improve joint lubrication and supports cartilage repair. -
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate inflammation and pain caused by arthritis and can slow down joint degeneration. -
Chondroitin Sulfate
A natural "water magnet" in the joint, chondroitin sulfate helps the cartilage withstand compression and shock. It also inhibits the cartilage-degrading enzymes found in damaged joints. -
Chelated Zinc
Zinc, in combination with sulfur, forms structural tissues like keratin, contributing to healthy joints and supporting overall tissue integrity. -
Vitamin E
A well-known antioxidant, Vitamin E helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage, which can exacerbate inflammation in the joints.
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Supplements and Supportive Care:
Supplementing with a combination of these nutrients can be effective in managing joint health. Popular products for joint support in horses include those containing glucosamine, MSM, hyaluronic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids, often combined with other ingredients like turmeric and Boswellia for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
By managing your horse's joint health with appropriate exercise, diet, and veterinary care, you can help maintain mobility and reduce pain associated with arthritis, ultimately improving the horse's quality of life and performance.
[1] https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/wie-funktionieren-gelenke.html
[2] FNverlag (2016) Richtlinien für Reiten und Fahren Band 4, Grundwissen zur Haltung, Fütterung, Gesundheit und Zucht
[3] FNverlag (2016) Richtlinien für Reiten und Fahren Band 4, Grundwissen zur Haltung, Fütterung, Gesundheit und Zucht
[4] https://gelenk-klinik.de/orthopaedie-glossar/synovia.html#:~:text=Die%20Synovia%20ist%20eine%20viskose,selber%20nicht%20%C3%BCber%20Blutgef%C3%A4%C3%9Fe%20verf%C3%BCgt.
[5] https://www.vetepedia.de/gesundheitsthemen/pferd/bewegungsapparat/arthrose#:~:text=Oftmals%20entsteht%20Arthrose%20beim%20Pferd,dabei%20zu%20akuten%20Gelenksentz%C3%BCndungen%20kommt%2C
[6] Schlueter, A. E., & Orth, M. W. (2004). Equine osteoarthritis: a brief review of the disease and its causes. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology, 1(4), 221-231.
[7] Gelenkknorpel dauerhaft fit halten (pferdetherapie-landskron.de)
