Things To Know About Equine Joint Health

Joint health should be prioritized throughout a horses career. Although conformation genetics and preexisting conditions can predispose a horse to osteoarthritis OA professional hoof trimming proper nutrition appropriate exercise and weight management promote longterm joint health and performance. It may not be possible to avoid the development of OA as a horse ages but early diagnosis and appropriate management can minimize joint injury and allow for early intervention.
2. Decreasing body weight reduces joint stress. Obesity is a significant health concern projected to affect 30 percent of horses. Excess weight causes joints to experience increased weightbearing and is a risk factor for OA. In other species obesity is related to inflammation and risk of orthopaedic disease. A loss of one pound of body weight in humans is equated to a fourpound force decrease on the knee. An 11-18 percent decrease in body weight in dogs with OA reduced lameness. Horses should be kept at a body condition score of 4-5 out of 9 to limit joint stress.

Regular consistent exercise is good for joint health. Joints automatically adjust to preserve normal function and keep environmental changes within narrow limits homeostasis. Disturbances can lead to disorders such as OA. Studies show the intensity and duration of exercise play important roles in joint health. Within a certain window exercise is beneficial. Outside that window mechanisms to maintain joint homeostasis become strained. Regular exercise at the canter for example is beneficial for joint health whereas prolonged training at high speeds can lead to joint injury. Depending on the horses individual jumping technique the loads on the limbs can be similar to canter when jumping low jumps.
Joint injections can be administered at regular intervals but once may be enough. A single injection may be sufficient to break the inflammatory cycle and longterm management factors can help