Joint health support options

摘要

As strong and naturally athletic as horses are, they place tremendous strain on their pasterns, knees and hocks over the course of a lifetime. Too often, the result is osteoarthritis, the deterioration of joint cartilage leading to pain, stiffness andinflammation. Whether resulting from an injury or simple wear and tear, arthritis can progress to the point that joint function—and a horse's soundness— are compromised. Although the damage to arthritic joints cannot be reversed, the news isn't all bad. Advances in modern veterinary medicine have yielded many ways of arresting the inflammation, controlling the pain and keeping joint deterioration from worsening. Of course, early intervention is best. Even if your horse is young and healthy, talk to your veterinarian now about protective measures. Stay alert to any early indications of discomfort, and seek veterinary help as soon as you suspect something might be wrong. The right treatment plan foryour horse will depend on many factors, including the cause and severity of the condition, and your veterinarian will guide you toward your best options. Here is an overview of the therapies he may suggest.