Ostearthritis (OA - the painful loss of articular cartilage and bone together with soft-tissue changes associated with the joint—is a common and important condition affecting horses. It has no cure and can limit a horse's welfare and ability to perform. While OA might not be completely avoidable as a horse ages, early diagnosis and conscientious care can slow its advance and minimize associated pain and disability.
We often think of OA affecting the joints in the limbs, such g as hocks, knees, stifles, and fetlocks, but it can develop in § any joint where two cartilage-covered bones meet--called an articular joint.
Osteoarthritis has 2 main causes: normal forces placed on abnormal musculoskeletal tissues, and abnormal forces placed on normal musculoskeletal tissues.
Joint trauma and inflammation initiate a complex series of events that ultimately damages all associated joint tissues.
Osteoarthritis might be inevitable in performance horses and older horses whose joints have endured years of wear and tear. To slow the inflammatory cascade, work with your veterinarian to incorporate preemptive strategies or joint-protecting products into your horse's care plan.