Early osteoarthritis in horses is frequently characterized by inflammation within the joint capsule. Inflammatory cytokines are present in the synovial fluid, which can cause erosions to the articular cartilage, but are not necessarily painful.
Causes of early osteoarthritis
➡ What we ask the horse to do:
» Overuse: we ask the horse to due to work that is repetitive that they wouldn’t usually do. Also included in the overuse category might be obesity, as the horse’s joints weren’t designed to carry excess weight.
» Wear and tear: we ask the horse to just do too much for their capability and development.
➡ The horse's conformation:
» If the horse has an alignment issue, such as being back at the knee or having a valgus or varus condition of the knee or ankle, it can lead to abnormal wear and tear in the joints.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of early osteoarthritis in horses are usually minimal. In humans, mild to moderate joint pain is common, but horses are stoic. As prey animals, the horse that limps first is horse that’s eaten next. Stoicism is a survival trait.
Osteoarthritis is usually considered an older horse condition. However, early arthritis can develop at any age, depending on conformation, age, activity level and type. This can occur in younger horses, but since the symptoms are minimal, we frequently don’t notice osteoarthritis until it becomes quite advanced and the horse can no longer compensate for the pain.
Nutritional options:
Fortunately, there are affordable options to nutritionally support horses with early osteoarthritis. We would hope that the supplement would support the horse in light of the inflammatory processes and deterioration of the joint. With early arthritis, the goal should be the reduction of pain and stiffness. Usually, early arthritis is not characterized by loss of function, as that comes later in the disease process.
➡ Glucosamine sulfate: While there are many conflicting studies, there is evidence that glucosamine sulfate reduces pain and stiffness as a benefit to their nutritional support.
➡ Chondroitin sulfate: Studies also show that chondroitin sulfate can reduce an inflammatory component to osteoarthritis.
➡ MSM: For years, MSM was rarely studied. One of the reasons was that it was readily available and drug companies were unable to patent it for increase profits. A 2023 study by Togushi et al demonstrated that MSM for 12 weeks improved patients with mild knee pain (which had not yet been diagnosed as arthritic).
➡ Hyaluronic acid: This supplement has been used for years. Although it is indicated for nutritional support in early arthritis, it is also useful in mild arthritis also.
What is most fascinating about these supplements is that they have been available for over 20 years and remain relevant today.
We strive to help our horses, and addressing early osteoarthritis is one of the important steps we can take.
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