Obesity in horses is known to increase their risk of metabolic disorders and places an increased strain on their internal organs, especially in work. Dr. Luke Bass of Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, explains why obesity might also accelerate the development of osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. 

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Maintaining Senior Horse Joints.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Luke Bass, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP (Equine)

Luke Bass, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP is an associate professor in Equine Field Service at Colorado State University (CSU). He is board-certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP-Equine) and is certified in equine acupuncture. He served on the American Association of Equine Practitioners board of directors from 2019 to 2021 and will be chair of AAEP’s Educational Programs Committee from 2024 to 2025. Bass leads the Equine Field Service at CSU with three faculty members and two interns focusing on general practice, lameness examinations, dentistry, and emergency care.