Osteoarthritis in horses

As we age, our joints often become less mobile, our muscles become weaker and our gait becomes stiffer. Four-legged friends also usually have to deal with progressive immobility as they age. A common problem is joint wear. Osteoarthritis in horses is a non-inflammatory change in one or more joints. The joint cartilage degenerates, initially becoming pitted and soft and then gradually disappearing over time. Osteoarthritis in horses cannot be cured, but there are various treatment options and the symptoms can be alleviated in many ways, thereby improving the quality of life of the affected horse.

Arthrosis can have many causes, for example inflammation of the joint and arthritis. Your horse's joints could also have been put under too much strain during his career. However, an external factor does not necessarily have to be to blame. Congenital deformities are just as important for the development of the disease as natural wear and tear with age.

It also helps your horse build muscle, because the muscles support the joints. Keeping in an open stable is ideal for a horse that suffers from osteoarthritis. However, it is also important that it is not chased by its peers, because abrupt stops and uncontrolled movements are counterproductive in osteoarthritis. You should also keep this in mind when training your horse to build muscle. Equikenetics or gentle rides with long walking phases are well suited for this.

The osteoarthritis horse feeding should consist of hay and a special additional feed. Silage is not suitable for osteoarthritis, as this leads to acidification in the horse and many horses react to this with tension and muscle cramps.

Herbs for arthrosis in horses can also support arthrosis horse feeding. Ginger and devil's claw have an anti-inflammatory effect and can also be given in a combined preparation. Devil's claw tastes a little bitter and not all horses eat it without any problems. A little trick like apple juice or applesauce helps most horses.

Many feed manufacturers offer certain mixtures of herbs to combat osteoarthritis in horses. You can use this if you don't want to mix it yourself. Horse osteoarthritis can also sometimes be helped by homeopathy. The goal of osteoarthritis horse homeopathy is to support self-healing. The veterinarian or animal health practitioner decides which globules are the right ones for treating arthrosis in horses, depending on how the arthrosis affects the horse.

An acute attack of osteoarthritis in the horse should be treated with a painkiller for the horse. There are various preparations available; liquid painkillers are easier to administer to the horse than powder. The painkiller makes the horse's osteoarthritis episode less painful and you can move your horse gently again the next day. Because whoever rests will rust. This applies to the horse and its joints as well as to us two-legged friends.

Osteoarthritis in horses

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