In our last newsletter, we discussed some of the types of hoof pain. Available here. This newsletter will focus on cold-induced arthritis flares.
While it’s a common time of year for horses to get footsore from either high ACTH or high insulin, or from cold-induced laminitis, it’s also the time of year that your horse may be experiencing cold-induced arthritis flares.
Winter-related arthritis pain is well-documented in people. The exact mechanisms of this are unknown. It has been documented that there is an increase in pain sensitivity in humans subject to cold temperatures. Arthritis pain tends to flare-up when:
» The temperatures drop
» There is a change in barometric pressure
» If the horse becomes laminitic
Arthritis commonly affects ankles, hocks and knees. Because these joints are so close to the ground, it’s often difficult to tell if the pain is hoof pain or ankle pain. Often, a horse will slam its foot down when you lift their leg to pick their hoof out. This can be because the horse is having a difficult time standing on the other leg, or because that leg has knee pain and is painful to bend. Acute observation skills are necessary to tell the difference.
Arthritis frequently affects these joints because of wear-and tear, use or overuse, or conformational issues which cause abnormal
stresses through the joint. These are common causes of degenerative joint disease.
At times, it may be difficult to tell the difference between laminitis and arthritis. X-rays may be helpful, but it’s been found that x-rays don’t necessarily correlate to pain.
How can you help your horse?
◆︎ Prescription drugs. Common prescription drugs include phenylbutazone (bute) or firocoxib (Equioxx™). These are FDA approved for short-term use. Other common drugs are Adequan™, Legend™, or pentosan. Consult with your veterinarian as to the most appropriate treatment for your horse.
◆︎ Nutraceuticals:
There are many nutraceuticals available to help support your horse during an arthritis flare. Commonly used are Mov-Ease, MSM, devil’s claw, quercetin, or resveratrol.
Combinations of nutraceuticals seem to be more effective than using just a single one.
◆︎ Other support:
➡Voltaren™ or generic diclofenac. This is a human drug that is available over-the-counter from retail stores, including Amazon. It’s similar in the formulation of Surpass™, which is available from your vet by prescription only. It is a gel or cream and can be rubbed topically over the affected area.
➡Leg wraps or shipping boots can frequently help protect the joint from the cold. This may increase circulation in the extremities, help retain heat and relieve a heightened sensitivity to pain.
➡Exercise: Stretching and exercise helps relieve cold-induced arthritis pain. It’s important to warm up sufficiently to avoid injury.
➡Footing: Be cautious with having your horse move on uneven, frozen ground, to avoid injury. Ideally, a forgiving footing is preferable.
We do the best that we can for our horses. Being aware of the role of cold-induced or cold-exacerbated arthritis pain as a part of that.
Do you have a special photo or story that you’d like to share? Email to sales@mybesthorse.com
Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay 2024