Osteoarthritis
Athletes who love their job and show up to the ring multiple times a week may eventually experience an unfortunately common condition called osteoarthritis (classically abbreviated OA). Initially presenting as synovitis, this inflammation of the synovial membrane can wear away the articular cartilage cushioning the joint and create an environment perfect for arthritic changes on both the joint surfaces and supporting structures. Sustained inflammation of major joints is both long-term and progressive, meaning it will change and advance as the horse continues to age.
Prompt identification and intervention are critical to slowing the disease’s progression and keeping the horse agile. Initial clinical signs can be subtle and easily missed, ultimately leading to rapidly occurring arthritic change. Variations in gait, performance quality, or decreased joint mobility, specifically in the hind legs, can indicate the early onset of OA. If your consistently solid citizen suddenly changes course and behaves abnormally, confer with your veterinarian to determine if this acute change in disposition, behavior, or performance may be caused by a mild lameness.
Management and medical treatments for OA have progressed rapidly even within the past decade. With the guidance of your veterinarian, owners can implement management support options, including but not limited to: nutrition, weight loss (when applicable), scheduled exercise, turnout rotations, and shoeing modifications.
In addition to the owner’s support, veterinarians can also offer various treatment modalities, many of which can be performed right in the comfort of your own barn aisle. With the use of radiographic imagery paired with ultrasonography, veterinarians can identify where arthritic change is occurring in order to prescribe the most effective treatment protocol for your horse. Treatment options such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), PRP treatments, Stem Cell Therapy are common stall-side procedures that offer relief and medical support to aching, arthritic joints.
At Alta Equine, our goal is to detect performance-limiting ailments before they become problematic and produce a lameness. This is why we recommend regular performance evaluation exams every 4-6 months, depending on your horse’s work level. Medical management of OA is a collaborative effort by the owner and their veterinary team. With continual monitoring on the owner’s behalf paired with routine assessments made by Alta Equine, your athlete will receive the support needed to compete and perform comfortably.
Resources:
Equine Osteoarthritis: Early Interventions
What You Need to Know About Equine Osteoarthritis
