Arthritis and joint pain or degeneration is a common affliction in senior horses. However, some horses may develop arthritic conditions early due to various factors such as high impact sports, racing, concussion from working on hard surfaces.
The common mistake of feeding high grain diets to horses along with the use of highly processed feeds and synthetic fertilizers on pasture are contributing factors.
Chronic inflammation will eventually cause damage to cartilage in the joints leading to osteoarthritis. Acute arthritis may be caused from an infection, and chronic arthritis is often due to the cumulative effect of stress on joints over many years.
Pain, in the acute stage, is nature’s way of telling us to stop and rest. Pain relief may be used, however don’t allow it to give a sense that all is well and vigorous exercise can be resumed prematurely, as this can lead to more serious complications.
Regular exercise is vital for the health of any horse with or without arthritis to keep joints moving. Gentle exercise should be consistent to avoid causing more discomfort until they are ready to increase exercise levels as improvement occurs. Older horses may suffer from stiffness, which eases off as they move, and some days may be more evident than others depending on the weather.
Generally, after starting on natural supplements and herbal support, results can be seen within a few weeks but may take up to 6 or more weeks for full benefits to show.
The following nutritional supplements can be beneficial for horses with arthritis:
Technyflex is one of the best nutritional green-lipped muscle supplements available which is cold processed and effective. It has proven very extremely beneficial in treating arthritis. Green Lipped mussel extract contains high levels of glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin and glucosamine sulphate as well as many amino acids, antioxidants, lipids and minerals.
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a natural form of biological sulphur found throughout the body; it is needed for proper cell function and wellbeing. All pets that have been fed on cooked and processed foods need this essential element.
Turmeric Root Powder has been found to provide the following benefits. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic & anodyne.
Turmericle is a blend of turmeric, coconut, black pepper and antioxidants for easy absorption.
Flaxseed oil & Hemp seed oil and are rich in essential fatty acids. (Use only good quality oil that is kept refrigerated to prevent rancidity).
Hi Form EquiGesic Plus provides natural relief for inflammatory conditions. With amazing pain relief properties allowing osteoarthritic cases to remain in work. Works extremely well in conjunction with Hi Form ProflamAid Plus as a natural alternative to bute.
Hi Form Proflam Aid Plus promotes healing and normal joint function by supporting the natural inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. Contains no chondroitin, glucosamine or MSM like most other joint supplements.
Rose-Hip Vital is a concentrated rosehip supplement that has anti-inflammatory properties. (This is more potent than rosehip granules).
Greenpet Glucosamine powders (sulfate and HCL), are excellent nutritional formulas for arthritic conditions, especially for osteoarthritis.
Greenpet Joint GMC is a blend of glucosamine, MSM and pure rosehip powders that is an excellent joint food supplement for horses and dogs.
Stance Equitec FlexiHemp is pelletised Hemp Hulls and Hearts with MSM & Turmeric. Supports joints, skin, muscle recovery and inflammation response.
Greenpet Herbal Equine Free Mover is a natural blend of circulatory and anti-inflammatory herbs to aid mobility and support the joints. Available in liquid concentrate or dried tea.
Greenpet Herbal Equine Paneze is a soothing blend of anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever herbs available in liquid concentrated or dried tea.
Fresh or dried herbs can be fed directly to horses in their feed or made into an infusion and poured over feed. Liquid extracts are more concentrated than dried herbs, so less is needed per dose. Combination blends of herbs are usually more effective than using only one herb.
Hot/Cold packs can be applied easily using the following to apply heat or cooling to affected legs – Donnybrook hot/cold boots.
Massage can offer relief in many instances and as long as there is no broken skin. Massage daily with Greenpet Herb Gel.
As you can see from the above, there are quite a few options available for assisting arthritic conditions safely and effectively without having to rely on drugs which can have adverse side effects to the long-term health of your horse. In most cases, by simply making some dietary changes and adding one or two nutritional supplements to the diet with herbal support, you can help provide relief safely and effectively well into their senior years.
Please seek the advice from our qualified animal naturopath for the most appropriate treatment recommendations for your horse.
For more specific treatment recommendations for your horse complete our complimentary horse questionnaire.
