Arthritis in Horses
Arthritis is a common problem for us and our horses. 1 in 6 adult horses suffer from it and 60% of lameness cases are caused by it. Also known as osteoarthritis (OA) and degenerative joint disease (DJD), arthritis is a common problem that occurs during the course of a horse's career or in Age of an equestrian is not uncommon.
changes in the joint
Arthritis ultimately leads to a loss of articular cartilage, bony changes and a reduction in the joint space, resulting in pain and discomfort, limited mobility and athletic ability. To understand the exact processes, we have to ask ourselves: How is a joint actually constructed?
Joints are movable connections between bone structures. A joint consists of the articular surfaces of the bones involved, which are covered with cartilage, the fluid-filled joint space and the joint capsule or joint space. [1]
The cartilage layer is often only a few millimeters thick and has a kind of buffer function. During movement, the individual cartilage cells absorb fluid, while at rest fluid is released. Full pressure elasticity is achieved when the cells are full to the brim. [2] An aspect that speaks in favor of sufficient warming up, for horses as well as for humans.
In the joint capsule, the synovial membrane (synovial membrane) forms the synovial fluid (synovia). The synovia contains water, proteins, lipids, reduces the friction between the joint surfaces and supplies the articular cartilage. [3] Joint diseases can lead to changes in the synovia, which can impair the function of the synovial fluid. [4]
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis often occurs as a sign of aging in connection with joint wear. However, osteoarthritis also often occurs as a result of injuries or misalignments. Too early or incorrect strain, especially during the growth phase, can also lead to irreversible joint damage. [5] In addition to overloading, too little exercise can also lead to cartilage degradation in the long term, as the horse's joint requires physiological movement in order to optimally supply all the structures involved. [6] This aspect is due, among other things, to the fact that joints do not have blood vessels and are therefore supplied exclusively by the synovia.
In the long term, the degradation of cartilage leads to a poorer “buffer function” in the joint. The quantitative production of synovia can also be impaired.
[7]
First signs
Signs that your horse may be suffering from joint problems include swelling, stiffness, limited mobility of a joint, lameness, reluctance to work, changes in performance/behavior, and difficulty or reluctance to lie down.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for arthritis, but there are treatment options that can be used to prevent or reduce inflammation and the damage it causes.
We recommend that horses with arthritis get plenty of exercise and, if possible, daily movement. Sufficient warming up is also advisable for the reasons mentioned above. In addition to veterinary treatment and care, various feed supplements can support horses.
The following active ingredients can be considered for treatment:
Classic anti-inflammatories - to reduce chronic inflammation
Curcumin - has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic and analgesic properties
Boswellia Serrata (Indian frankincense) - is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
MSM (organic sulfur) - is involved in the regeneration of cartilage and the formation of synovial fluid.
Hyaluronic acid - which contributes to the formation of normal synovial fluid
Glucosamine - increases the content of glycosaminoglycans in the joint. These are the "building blocks" of the cartilage matrix. Glucosamine increases the content of hyaluronate in the joint. Hyaluronate is an essential component of synovial fluid, the joint lubricant.
Omega 3 - Research has shown that Omega 3 can safely reduce the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis and slow dehydration of the joints.
Chondroitin sulfate - is a natural "water magnet" in the joint that withstands constant compression and shock. Chondroitin sulfate also inhibits the cartilage-degrading enzymes present in damaged joints.
Chelated zinc - Together with sulfur, it forms the structural tissue we know as keratin
Vitamin E - Proven Antioxidant
[1] https://www.gesundheitsinformation.de/wie-funktionieren-lenke.html
[2] FNverlag (2016) Guidelines for Riding and Driving Volume 4, Basic knowledge on keeping, feeding, health and breeding
[3] FNverlag (2016) Guidelines for Riding and Driving Volume 4, Basic knowledge on keeping, feeding, health and breeding
[4] https://lenk-klinik.de/orthopaedie-glossar/synovia.html#:~:text=Die%20Synovia%20ist%20eine%20viskose,selber%20nicht%20%C3%BCber%20Bloodgef%C3%A4%C3%9Fe%20verf%C3%BCgt.
[5] https://www.vetepedia.de/gesundheitsthemen/pferd/verkehrsapparat/arthrose#:~:text=Oftentimes%20entrist%20Arthrose%20at%20Horse,thereby%20to%20acute%20jointdislocation%C3%BCndungen%20comes%2C
[6] Schlueter, AE, & Orth, MW (2004). Equine osteoarthritis: a brief review of the disease and its causes. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology, 1(4), 221-231.
[7] Keeping joint cartilage permanently fit (pferdetherapie-landskron.de)
