Which horses get osteoarthritis? It very often affects older horses that have already covered many miles in their lifetime or those that have been actively involved in sport for some time. However, horses that have not had regular exercise appropriate to their species can also develop osteoarthritis. Basically, though, there is no general rule. It is also not easy to recognize osteoarthritis in its early stages. Sometimes, horse owners think that their horse is just experiencing a temporary period of overexertion when it has difficulty getting up from the straw. Or they believe that the cold winter is the reason why their horse is a little stiff-legged. After all, who likes to run around at minus 15 degrees Celsius? So where does osteoarthritis start and how can a horse owner best deal with it?
At some point, it became the norm. Your horse needs longer and longer to really get going. You feel that your horse is stiff and somehow immobile. Perhaps it stumbles more often, and at some point you may even feel that your horse is in slight pain when running. These can be the first signs that your horse is developing osteoarthritis. This condition usually develops gradually and you probably won't notice it right away.
The following symptoms may indicate osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative (wear-related) joint disease. A joint is the movable connection between two or more bones. To ensure smooth movement, the bone inside the joint is covered with a layer of slippery cartilage. The joint is enclosed by the joint capsule and filled with a viscous, slippery substance called synovial fluid. The joint is stabilized from the outside by ligaments.
In osteoarthritis, the joint is "destroyed" by a gradual change in condition, a process known as wear and tear. Basically, it is the cartilage that wears away, so that eventually bone rubs against bone. As the disease progresses, the synovial fluid becomes increasingly fluid in consistency and loses its ability to keep the joint moving smoothly. In addition, inflammation occurs repeatedly in the joint, leading to acute arthritis. Bone spurs or inflamed ligaments are further possible consequences. The normal function of the joint is restricted and the horse experiences pain.
If your horse has already been diagnosed, it is important to pay particular attention to a few factors.
In order to maintain joint health in the long term, species-appropriate husbandry, individually tailored training, and a balanced diet are essential. Regular exercise prevents the joint cartilage from becoming undersupplied, as it depends on the load and relief it receives when running. This is the only way to ensure fluid exchange with the synovial fluid, which transports the nutrients needed for the cartilage. Long periods of standing should therefore be avoided. It is also possible to rebuild the "damaged" area in the joint with collagen peptides. Collagen is an important component of cartilage. Oral administration of an appropriate preparation can stimulate collagen formation again.
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