Science-Backed Strategies for Managing Equine Arthritis: Proven Methods to Keep Your Horse Mobile and Pain-Free

Arthritis is a prevalent condition in horses, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. Effective management is crucial to maintain their quality of life and performance. As an animal physiotherapy professional, implementing science-backed strategies can significantly alleviate discomfort and enhance joint function in arthritic equines.

Arthritis is a highly prevalent condition in horses, particularly as they age or engage in intense physical activity. Studies indicate that:

• 60% of lameness cases in horses are due to osteoarthritis (OA) (McIlwraith et al., 2012).

• Up to 80-90% of senior horses (over 15 years old) show some degree of arthritis upon radiographic examination (Caron & Genovese, 2003).

• Performance horses (e.g., racehorses, jumpers, dressage horses) have a significantly higher risk of developing arthritis due to repetitive joint stress (Kidd et al., 2013).

1. Regular, Controlled Exercise

Consistent, low-impact exercise is vital for maintaining joint health in arthritic horses. Activities such as walking and light trotting help promote synovial fluid circulation, which lubricates the joints and provides essential nutrients to cartilage. Tailoring exercise programs to the individual horse's condition and tolerance is essential to prevent overexertion.

2. Weight Management

Maintaining an optimal body weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, thereby decreasing pain and slowing the progression of arthritis. A balanced diet, possibly formulated with the guidance of an equine nutritionist, ensures the horse receives necessary nutrients without excess calories.

3. Physiotherapeutic Modalities

Incorporating physiotherapy techniques can enhance joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Manual therapies, such as massage and stretching, improve circulation and flexibility. Additionally, therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen muscles surrounding affected joints provide better support and stability.

4. Intra-Articular Therapies

Recent advancements have introduced regenerative treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS) for equine arthritis. PRP involves concentrating platelets from the horse's blood and injecting them into the affected joint to promote healing. Studies have shown that PRP treatments can lead to significant improvements in lameness scores and joint function citeturn0search3. Similarly, ACS, which contains anti-inflammatory cytokines, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing joint inflammation and improving clinical outcomes in arthritic horses citeturn0search3.

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments

Providing a comfortable living environment with ample turnout time allows horses to move freely, which is beneficial for joint health. Avoiding prolonged confinement minimises stiffness. Additionally, ensuring that footing in stalls and paddocks is neither too hard nor too soft can help prevent undue joint stress.

Conclusion

Managing equine arthritis requires a multifaceted approach, combining controlled exercise, weight management, physiotherapy, innovative intra-articular treatments, and appropriate environmental adjustments. By integrating these science-backed strategies, we can significantly enhance the well-being and performance of horses suffering from arthritis.

If your horse is experiencing signs of arthritis, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Contact our animal physiotherapy clinic today to develop a personalised management plan tailored to your horse's specific needs.

1. Frisbie, D. D., Kawcak, C. E., Werpy, N. M., Park, R. D., & McIlwraith, C. W. (2007). Clinical, biochemical, and histologic effects of intra-articular administration of autologous conditioned serum in horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. *American Journal of Veterinary Research*, 68(3), 290–296. [https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.68.3.290](https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.68.3.290)

2. Hraha, T. H., Doremus, K. M., McIlwraith, C. W., & Frisbie, D. D. (2011). Autologous conditioned serum: The comparative cytokine profiles of two commercial methods (IRAP and IRAP II) using equine blood. *Equine Veterinary Journal*, 43(5), 516–521. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00321.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00321.x)

3. Marques-Smith, P., Kallerud, A. S., Johansen, G. M., Boysen, P., Jacobsen, A. M., Reitan, K. M., Henriksen, M. M., Löfgren, M., & Fjordbakk, C. T. (2020). Is clinical effect of autologous conditioned serum in spontaneously occurring equine articular lameness related to ACS cytokine profile? *BMC Veterinary Research*, 16(1), 181. [https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02391-7](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02391-7)

4. Geburek, F., Lietzau, M., Beineke, A., Rohn, K., & Stadler, P. M. (2016). Effect of a single injection of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on tendon healing in equine naturally occurring tendinopathies. *Stem Cell Research & Therapy*, 7(1), 68. [https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-015-0115-0](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-015-0115-0)

5. Camargo Garbin, L., & Morris, M. J. (2021). A Comparative Review of Autologous Conditioned Serum and Autologous Protein Solution for Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Horses. *Frontiers in Veterinary Science*, 8, 602978. [https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.602978](https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.602978)

Science-Backed Strategies for Managing Equine Arthritis: Proven Methods to Keep Your Horse Mobile and Pain-Free