Arthritis in Horses

of varying degrees to high motion and weightbearing joints.
Equine arthritis can affect any mobile joint in the body including the knees shoulder joints spine fetlocks hocks and stifles. These are all weightbearing joints. The fetlocks knees coffin bone within the hoof and hocks are most commonly affected.
Diagnosing Horses With Arthritis
To diagnose your horse with arthritis you will need to visit a veterinarian. The vet will perform a full body examination review medical history and conduct a series of Xrays. Your vet might also request a sample of joint fluid to check for infection. Other diagnostic procedures may include MRIs a nuclear bone scan nerve block examinations endoscopy and blood and urine tests. 
Treatment
The goal of arthritis management is to reduce the inflammation in the affected joint relieve pain and slow further damage to the joint 2
If you notice that your horse is having any discomfort even discomfort that wears off quickly its a good idea to consult your vet. Your vet may be able to identify arthritis early and slow its progress with drugs that reduce inflammation.
Once the cartilage in a joint is damaged or gone it is difficult to repair it. Discomfort can be managed by joint injections of joint fluid supplements like hyaluronic acid and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans and corticosteroids. You can also use oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory NSAID drugs such as phenylbutazone for pain management. However longterm use can have negative side effects such as gastric ulcers and the potential for kidney 
For longerterm treatment medications include firocoxib an NSAID that works differently than phenylbutazone and diclofenac sodium available in a topical cream. Some clinicians are exploring various stem cell therapies 3 In some cases depending on the horse and what joints are involved this modality may also be an option. Shockwave and laser therapies may also be considered.
In addition to veterinary treatment a reduction in workload may be necessary mainly if the work includes jumping traveling over rough terrain or other activity that potentially overstresses the joints. Although light exercise is essential to maintain joint flexibility this may mean the end of a horses competitive career. When the horse may be lame it should not be ridden. Keep the horse on soft footing with extra but not excessive bedding that may be hard to walk through. Proper trims and shoeing by a knowledgeable farrier may also be helpful.
Prognosis for Horses With Arthritis
When diagnosed early and managed adequately you can completely