Joint care

Joint problems in an older horse can either keep him off games or force him into retirement. Vet Esther Rawlinson from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health explains how to keep veteran horses’ joints healthy

Veterinary advice on maintaining your veteran’s mobility

TO KEEP OUR horses sound and in work they need healthy joints. But joint problems are a common cause of lameness and all horses are at risk of developing joint disease, especially as they get older. A common form of joint disease in older horses is arthritis. This is a progressive condition that can cause ongoing problems and, in some cases, may force your horse into premature retirement. Arthritis is also referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD), or osteoarthritis. Careful management and appropriate treatment is important to minimise the impact of this condition on older horses, help to slow down progression of the disease, and maintain soundness.