Best Treatment for Arthritis in Horses

If your horse has been diagnosed with arthritis, you're probably wondering what you can do to keep them comfortable and moving well. The good news is that there are plenty of effective options available. The not-so-good news is that arthritis can't be cured, so the focus shifts to managing symptoms and slowing down the progression.

Finding the best treatment for arthritis in horses often involves a combination of approaches rather than a single magic solution. What works brilliantly for one horse might not suit another, so it's about finding the right mix for your individual horse.

The Quick Answer

• Arthritis treatment for horses typically combines several approaches for best results
• Options include joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, and lifestyle management
• Regular low-impact exercise is better than stall rest for most arthritic horses
• Weight management and proper hoof care play a bigger role than many owners realise
• Early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes

Understanding What You're Dealing With

Before jumping into treatment options, it helps to understand what's actually happening in your horse's joints. For a deeper look at the condition itself, our guide on understanding arthritis in horses covers the basics.

In simple terms, arthritis involves inflammation in the joint that leads to cartilage breakdown over time. Once cartilage is damaged, it doesn't regenerate well, which is why prevention and early treatment matter so much. The joints most commonly affected include the hocks, fetlocks, coffin joints, and knees.

Arthritis can develop from years of wear and tear, a previous injury, poor conformation, or simply the ageing process. Horses in demanding work are more prone to it, but even lightly worked horses can develop joint problems as they get older.

Common Types of Arthritis Treatment for Horses

Joint Supplements

Joint supplements for horses often form the foundation of arthritis management. They're relatively affordable, easy to administer, and can make a noticeable difference to comfort and mobility.

Popular ingredients to look for include:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin (building blocks for cartilage)
• Hyaluronic acid (supports joint lubrication)
• MSM (helps with inflammation and tissue repair)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (natural anti-inflammatory properties)

Products like 4CYTE joint supplements have become popular choices among horse owners looking for effective joint support. As with any supplement, it's worth understanding potential 4CYTE Epiitalis side effects and discussing options with your vet to ensure you're choosing the right product for your horse's situation.

Keep in mind that supplements take time to show results. You'll typically need to wait six to eight weeks of consistent use before judging whether they're making a difference.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

When supplements alone aren't enough, anti-inflammatory medications often become part of the treatment plan. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like phenylbutazone (bute) or firocoxib (Equioxx) can significantly reduce pain and inflammation.

This arthritis treatment for horses works well for managing flare-ups or providing ongoing comfort for horses in regular work. However, long-term use requires monitoring, as NSAIDs can cause gastric ulcers and other side effects over time. Your vet can advise on the safest approach for your horse.

Topical options like Rapigel for horses can also provide relief for localised joint discomfort and are useful for horses who can't tolerate oral anti-inflammatories or as an addition to other treatments.

Joint Injections

For moderate to severe arthritis, or when oral treatments aren't providing enough relief, injection supplements for horses offer a more targeted approach.

Common joint injection options include:

• Corticosteroids: These powerful anti-inflammatories are injected directly into the affected joint. They can provide significant relief, often lasting several months. However, they're not suitable for all horses and shouldn't be overused.
• Hyaluronic acid: This can be given intravenously or directly into the joint to improve lubrication and reduce inflammation.
• Biologic therapies: Newer treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma), IRAP, and stem cell therapy use the horse's own blood or tissue components to promote healing and reduce inflammation. These can be particularly useful for horses who don't respond well to traditional treatments.
• Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG): Products like Adequan are given as intramuscular injections and work to reduce joint inflammation while supporting cartilage repair.

Your vet can help determine which arthritis horse treatment approach makes the most sense based on which joints are affected and how severe the condition is.

The Role of Exercise and Movement in Arthritis Horse Treatment

It might seem counterintuitive, but keeping your arthritic horse moving is usually better than confining them to a stable. Gentle, regular exercise helps maintain joint mobility, supports circulation, and prevents the stiffness that comes from standing still too long.

The key is finding the right balance. Low-impact activities like walking, light hacking on even ground, and turnout in a paddock are generally beneficial. Avoid work that's too intense, deep or uneven footing, and activities that put excessive strain on the joints.

Many horses with well-managed arthritis continue to be ridden comfortably for years. Just pay attention to warm-up and cool-down routines, and be prepared to adjust the workload as needed.

Don't Forget the Basics

Some of the most effective treatments for arthritis in horses doesn't come from a bottle or syringe. Basic management practices make a real difference:

• Weight management. Extra weight means extra stress on already compromised joints. Keep your horse at a healthy body condition to reduce the load.
• Proper hoof care. Balanced hooves and appropriate trimming or shoeing help distribute weight evenly and reduce joint strain. Long toes and collapsed heels are particularly problematic for arthritic horses.
• Appropriate footing. Avoid hard, uneven, or excessively deep surfaces. Good quality, consistent footing cushions joints and reduces concussion.
• Turnout over stall rest. Unless your vet advises otherwise, allowing your horse to move freely is usually better than keeping them confined.

Putting It All Together

The best approach to arthritis treatment for horses usually combines several strategies. You might start with a quality joint supplement, add topical relief as needed, maintain a sensible exercise routine, and work with your vet on medications or injections when required.

Regular check-ups every six to twelve months help track how the condition is progressing and allow you to adjust the treatment plan as needed. What works today might need tweaking as your horse ages or the arthritis advances.

Seek Professional Veterinary Care When You Need To

Arthritis management works best when it's tailored to your individual horse. If you're unsure which treatment approach is right for your horse, be sure to seek veterinary help.