As you head out to prepare your performance horse for a training session, you notice that he seems a bit stiff coming in from turnout. You attribute it to the cold morning and continue with saddling up and heading to the arena.
During the warm-up, you feel that his stride is slightly shorter, and he’s not responding as well to your cues. He doesn’t seem to be giving his usual 100%. You wonder if it could be due to the weather, a previous long ride, his weight, or just his age. But, it could also be a sign of osteoarthritis starting to show.
Stay tuned for more information on osteoarthritis (OA) this June, brought to you by Zycosan. But first, let’s explore some common symptoms of OA.
Look For Obvious Lameness
Make it a habit to quickly assess your horse’s condition every time you see him. This daily routine will not only help you establish a baseline for his normal state but also enable you to identify any issues early on. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that cannot be cured, but early detection is crucial for its management.
Keep an eye out for the most apparent symptom of OA: lameness. If your horse is visibly limping, favoring a leg, or showing signs of lameness, it could be one of the primary indicators of OA. If there are no obvious reasons for his lameness, consulting your vet for a lameness exam is the initial step to take. While horses can sustain injuries for various reasons, unexplained or worsening lameness should prompt a visit to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
General Stiffness That Subsides
If your horse consistently appears stiff when leaving his stall or at the beginning of a ride but then seems to loosen up, it could be an indication of OA. While some stiffness is normal with age, persistent stiffness that doesn’t improve with movement might suggest clinical signs of joint issues.
Consulting your vet when you notice ongoing stiffness in your horse is essential to rule out any serious problems. Understanding his usual state of health is crucial in this regard. While a long trail ride could cause temporary stiffness, persistent or recurring stiffness that doesn’t improve warrants veterinary attention.
If your horse is diagnosed with OA or arthritis, maintaining movement is vital to keep him comfortable. Discuss an appropriate exercise regimen with your vet based on his age, activities, and OA stage.
Hind End Lameness
Watch for signs of OA affecting the hind end, such as toe-dragging, pelvic dropping, or reluctance to move a hind limb forward. These behaviors could indicate hind end lameness.
Identifying Hind End Lameness
If your horse is displaying unusual hind end behaviors like difficulty bringing his hind legs forward or bunny-hopping, it could signal discomfort and underlying issues.
Swelling and Reduced Range of Motion
Swelling and decreased joint mobility can be signs of OA. Excess fluid in the joint can cause swelling and limit your horse’s range of motion. Check the knees, hocks, and stifles regularly for swelling or discomfort, as these areas are commonly affected in performance horses.
You may also observe heat in the limb or hear sounds like popping or grinding in the joint during movement, known as crepitus.
Don’t Brush It Off
The key message here is to be aware of your horse’s baseline health and pay attention to any changes. Don’t dismiss lameness, swelling, or stiffness as minor issues that will resolve on their own. Persistent lameness, unexplained swelling or heat, changes in behavior, or reluctance to perform tasks should all be taken seriously and promptly addressed by your vet.
Early intervention plays a critical role in managing OA and ensuring your horse’s comfort. Keep a close watch on him, assess him daily, and monitor his behavior and movement while riding for any noticeable changes.
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