Osteoarthritis - Keeping Our Aging Horses Sound

farriery is also crucial to supporting horses with OA. Something as simple as a long toe can put unnecessary strain on the joints ligaments and tendons. Regardless of which joint in the limb is affected by OA correct trimming and potentially therapeutic shoeing of the hoof can help to set the entire limb up for success. For example horses with conformational abnormalities may be more prone to certain types of OA due to uneven loading of the limb. Your farrier will not be able to reverse the abnormality but can minimize strain the horse by keeping the foot trimmed to be as balanced as possible and supporting the limb with a therapeutic shoe that encourages breakover on the stressed side of the limb. Similarly in specific types of OA such as navicular syndrome therapeutic shoes can help to support the associated hoof and soft tissue structures that are concurrently affected thus minimizing the excess strain on the navicular apparatus and relieving discomfort. Approaching maintenance of soundness as a team with your veterinarian will help to set your farrier up for success by ensuring they have the best information accurate diagnosis and appropriate associated images to address the underlying condition and help keep your horse in work