Arthrose

How many of your patients have osteoarthritis and how does it manifest itself?

Around 20% have arthritic changes. Often only individual joints are affected. However, osteoarthritis has various causes. The typical “osteoarthritis horse”, which is prone to osteoarthritis everywhere and is stiff, is more common in older horses. In sport horses, injuries and wear and tear are often the cause. Osteoarthritis can also develop after joint surgery.

At what age and in which horses does osteoarthritis occur?

From youngsters to oldies, it can affect anyone. Young horses that are put under too much strain too early are particularly at risk later on due to early joint wear.

Does the type of posture have anything to do with osteoarthritis?

If osteoarthritis is present, the horse should be able to keep moving as constantly as possible to prevent stiffness. Osteoarthritis horses often need a “break-in phase”. After days of standing or little movement, the first steps are stiff and they need longer to get moving again. For this reason, a form of husbandry with plenty of space to move freely – such as a well-designed active stable – is ideal.

How do you treat the horses?

Pain therapy with acupuncture and laser therapy, as well as the release of blockages and tension caused by a relaxed posture to restore the horse’s freedom of movement.

How can horses be supported in their feeding? Which products are suitable?

Targeted feeding can support the regeneration of cartilage in the joint. Products containing green-lipped mussel, chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine, MSM and hyaluronic acid have proven effective here. Herbs can help to alleviate inflammatory processes and pain. Ginger, devil’s claw, willow bark and frankincense extract are often used.

How important is exercise and training? What should I pay attention to as a horse owner?

The basic rule here is: if you rest, you rust. Training should be adapted to your age and state of health and continued. Long walking phases to warm up are mandatory. The first few rounds of arthrosis horses are often characterized by a warm-up phase and clammy kicks; the movements usually become more elastic after a thorough warm-up phase. It is up to the rider to assess and feel how much movement is good for his horse. If the horse performs worse the next day, it was too much. Careful attention should also be paid to warm joints when grooming. This could be an indication of acute inflammation. In this case, only light exercise is usually advisable.

What do you think of stable boots/heat therapy?

Heat promotes blood circulation and can therefore accelerate healing processes. In moxatherapy, mugwort is placed on acupuncture needles and set alight to generate intense, soothing deep heat. Especially in winter and in cold and wet weather, horses can also be supported with heat gaiters, solarium and warming rubs and blankets with a warming effect.

Can osteoarthritis be prevented?

The responsible use of the horse is particularly preventative. Long warm-up phases, good surfaces, continuous gymnastics and metabolism-activating feeding plus cures with “joint and cartilage food” are sensible in my opinion.

Now in winter, Grando still wears the Vitandar stable boots at night. These ensure better blood circulation and prevent swelling in the joints.

In terms of feeding, I can recommend the products from Masterhorse. Grando is given Repar G daily for his joints. It contains chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, among other things, which are the most important ingredients for the joints.