Performance horses are incredibly athletic animals that perform a variety of tasks for their owners. Musculoskeletal injury and, in particular, joint problems (osteoarthritis) can limit the ability of your horse to perform and in severe cases may be career ending if not managed correctly.

There are several strategies involved when managing a horse with joint issues:

  1. Nutrition – it is important that the horse is fed a balanced ration with adequate roughage and that the horse is kept in healthy condition but is not overweight.
  2. Conditioning exercises – Good body weight and muscle strength are the most important goals, along with conditioning for the specific exercise demands the horse will be performing. Exercises which improve the horse’s core strength can limit the stresses placed on the lower limbs when fatigued.
  3. Balanced shoeing – “No foot, No Horse”. It is important that the angles of the hoof and pastern are correctly aligned to minimise any excessive pressure to the joints and tendons. X-rays may be required to establish alignment of the pedal bone and sole, and we can work with your farrier to help correct any imbalance that may have developed.
  4. Proper diagnosis – Accurate assessment of joint injury is essential to develop an appropriate treatment plan. A thorough physical and lameness examination will isolate the cause of the lameness, and further diagnostics such as nerve blocks, x-ray and ultrasound can further define the extent of the injury.
  5. Anti-inflammatories – Systemic anti-inflammatories such as phenylbutazone (bute) may be prescribed in the initial phase of any injury. Cortisone and HA (Hyaluronic acid) may also be injected directly into the joint to limit inflammation and protect the cartilage.
  6. Joint Supplements – Pentosan, Hyaluronic acid (Halo), Chondroitin and Glucosamine can be administered systemically to reduce inflammation and protect cartilage against degradation, particularly in injured and inflamed joints. Oral Green Lipped Mussel supplements such as Epiitalis have also proven effective in reducing low grade lameness or stiffness.
  7. Biologic therapy – IRAP can be injected into the horse’s joints to help reduce joint inflammation and encourage tissue healing. Blood is taken directly from the horse to be treated into a specialised syringe containing IRAP impregnated glass beads. The sample is then incubated, centrifuged and stored in syringes which can be injected into the affected joint at desired intervals.

Throughout a horse’s career opportunities exist for horse owners to manage joints for the best musculoskeletal outcome. Careful conditioning programs, accurate diagnosis and selecting the appropriate therapies are critical to returning a horse’s joints to optimal function and allowing them to perform to their maximum potential.