Arthrosis is a degenerative joint disease that is also common in horses. It can lead to significant impairment of the animal's mobility and quality of life. Arthrosis occurs when the cartilage in the joints gradually wears away, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of arthrosis in horses are diverse and can vary depending on the severity of the disease:
- Lameness and Limping:
One of the most noticeable symptoms is lameness, especially after exertion or after prolonged periods of rest. - Altered Movement:
Horses with arthrosis often have a changed gait, such as a protective posture or avoiding certain movements that stress the affected joint. - Heat and Swelling:
The affected joint may become warm or swollen, indicating inflammation.
- Loss of Mobility:
Limitations in the joint's mobility can be observed, such as difficulties in standing up or moving on uneven ground. - Restlessness or Irritability:
Arthrosis can also lead to changes in the horse's behavior, as pain can make the animals restless or irritable.
Causes
Arthrosis in horses can be triggered or exacerbated by various factors:
- Overloading of the Joints:
Repeated stress, for example from intense training or carrying heavy weights, can damage the cartilage and lead to arthrosis. - Injuries:
Joint injuries such as ligament tears, fractures, or strains can promote the development of arthrosis if not treated properly. - Age:
With increasing age, the ability of the joints to regenerate decreases, increasing the likelihood of developing arthrosis.
- Genetic Predisposition:
Some horse breeds are genetically more susceptible to joint diseases, including arthrosis. - Misalignments or Uneven Load:
If a horse has a misalignment or is unevenly loaded, this can lead to overuse of certain joints and the development of arthrosis.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of arthrosis in horses is usually made through a combination of clinical examination and various imaging techniques to accurately identify joint degeneration and any changes.
Initially, the veterinarian will conduct a clinical examination, thoroughly checking the horse for signs of lameness, pain, and movement restrictions. This examination helps to identify initial indications of possible arthrosis.
A lameness examination is also an important part of the diagnostics. It helps to precisely locate the affected joint and determine the cause of the lameness, which is crucial for further treatment.
An important step in the diagnosis is X-rays or a computed tomography (CT), which allow visualization of the degree of joint degeneration, loss of cartilage, and changes in the joint space. X-rays are particularly helpful in documenting structural damage or abnormal changes in the affected joint.
In some cases, ultrasound examinations or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also used. These imaging techniques allow for a more detailed examination of soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, and help to identify possible injuries or inflammations that may be associated with arthrosis.
Treatment
The treatment of arthrosis in horses is usually multimodal, aiming to suppress acute inflammation and thereby relieve pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease.
An important component of treatment is medication therapy. Pain relievers such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are often used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In some cases, injections of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids directly into the affected joint are also used. The successful use of regenerative medicine, such as autologous blood therapy (e.g., Alpha2, PRP, IRAP) or stem cells and growth factors, is also an integral part of the treatment of arthrosis.
Nutritional adjustments can also contribute to the treatment of arthrosis. Supplementary feeds containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and other joint nutrients support cartilage regeneration and joint health by stimulating the production of joint fluid and protecting the cartilage from further damage.
To support the joints, a special shoeing may also be used. This helps facilitate movement and relieve the affected joint by reducing pressure on the joint and distributing the load more evenly.
To promote healing and support mobility, manipulative therapy forms can also be beneficial. These help relax the muscles and improve joint function. These measures promote blood circulation and stimulate neuromuscular processes, this supporting tissue healing.
Weight management plays a crucial role, as excess weight further stresses the joints. Targeted weight reduction in the horse can help relieve the affected joints and reduce pain.
In advanced cases, when conservative treatments are insufficient, surgical options may be considered. This includes procedures such as arthroscopy, where the condition of the joint is directly examined and minor damages can be repaired. In some cases, removing joint debris may also be necessary to improve mobility.
Joint braces or special horseshoes can also be used to support the joints. These aids help relieve the affected joint and facilitate movement by reducing pressure on the joint and distributing the load more evenly.