Scientific researchers have learned that the injuries suffered by human and equine athletes, especially as they relate to joints, often are very similar. Now, they are using that knowledge in their attempts to find ways to prevent injuries to both.
Technology and advances in medicine have given us tools to keep our horses alive longer.
Scientists’ understanding of non-infective arthritis dramatically advances every year, and each year when the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) meets, practitioners have the opportunity to absorb the newest information on these
However, the most common cause of lameness that veterinarians see in neonatal foals is caused by septic arthritis, not careless mares. Septic arthritis also can be seen in older foals and adult horses, but the cause usually is quite different from th
In this issue, we discuss one of the hottest, and most controversial, areas of supplementation on the equine market–glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and other oral supplements for horses with signs of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint
Osselets begin with swelling on the front of the fetlock joint, with the possible addition of synovial distensions on the sides of the joint (commonly called windpuffs). It’s painful when the horse flexes the joint, and can cause lameness.
Yes, we have treatments that can assist certain types of arthritic conditions, but when it comes to the nasty stuff–chronic arthritis–cures still are elusive, with pain management offering only varying degrees of success dependant on the severity
Horses’ knees are like human ones, and that’s good news for both species. It means that continuing research at Colorado State University aimed at helping horses with osteoarthritis –missing cartilage –also is applicable to humans as well.
The University of Guelph, located in Ontario, Canada, is home of the world renowned Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). The university is a research-intensive and student-oriented facility. Its written mission is to serve society and to enhance th
The average lifespan of a horse is said to be about 24 years; but as with humans, a horse’s chronological age isn’t always a good indicator of how old he really is. Some horses still are active at the age of 35, while others suffer significant signs
Pain is due to muscle spasm, reduced circulation, and nerve pressure caused by connective tissue changes. Heat can address all of these causes and stimulate the repair process.
Michael J. Wildenstein, resident farrier at Cornell University’s large animal clinic, has approximately 400 different types of therapeutic shoes hanging on the wall of his clinic. Each one, he says, was made for a particular
A multitude of compelling reasons exists for utilizing joint injections or aspirations (i.e., the removal of fluid). Certainly one of the most rewarding is the capability of the veterinarian to make better and more accurate diagnoses of lameness prob
Osteoarthritis probably accounts for the end of more equine performance careers than any other single cause. And until recently, it was considered an irreversible process.
So, rather than gauging a horse’s age by years, Ralston recommends horse owners base an animal’s retirement and/or health care management on the horse’s physical fitness.
Degenerative joint disease is a common malady of the horse. It most frequently strikes the hocks, front fetlocks, and front navicular bones, and its consequences can be severe.
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