In human sports, proper joint care is an critical part of staying well and competitive. Anyone who plays sports knows that a grave joint injury increases the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, which can be career-ending. Conversely, protecting and caring for your joints can assist you stay on the court or field longer.
The same is true for performance horses. Hearty joints reduce the risk of injury when a horse brakes abruptly, turns quickly, or makes edged turns. Additionally, a good foundation in joint care can assist protect horses from future injuries and pain as they age.
Quarter Horse News spoke with Dr. Gabrielle Solum, resident in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, to learn all about joint care in performance horses.
Start at the beginning
Some may believe that only horse owners who engage in high-intensity exercise programs need to worry about joint health, but it's something every horse owner should think about, notes Solum. Joint care involves a number of elements, and while the horse's exercise program is one of them, it also includes the horse's conformation, diet and health history.
These factors are critical from the beginning. In fact, anyone raising youthful horses should consider having their animals examined by a veterinarian before they reach adulthood.
The foal above has plenty of room to move as his bones and joints develop. This foal has a good conformation. * Photo by Amy Olson
“We see many horses with lameness that are predisposed to lameness due to conformation abnormalities that may be preventable as early as foals,” Solum said. “These abnormalities in foals include tendon contractures or laxity, varas and valgus conformations, and club feet.”
Solum recommends x-raying youthful horses before training to identify any abnormalities such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions or cysts that can be treated with surgery. Routine veterinary examinations can then assist identify any lameness early in the horse's career.
Lighter is better
Many of today's performance horses are heavier than recommended. That's because “meatier” horses are more visually appealing, Solum says. But subjecting ponderous horses to intense exercise programs increases the risk of joint damage and other health problems.
This is a fit youthful horse with good conformation. * QHN file photo
“Overfeeding [as foals] has been associated with the development of physitis [inflammation of a growth plate] and obsessive compulsive disorders,” Solum said. “Horses can be fed appropriately and maintain good nutrition without being overweight. When horses begin training, overfeeding and obesity make them susceptible to metabolic diseases.”
“Good nutrition is critical to ensure that these horses are properly nourished not only during their maturation and growth, but also during their training program,” she added. “For western horses, the majority of their potential to earn money and perform athletically is usually reached when their skeleton is not yet fully mature. However, this may not be the only cause of joint disease and lameness.”
A physically fit horse with “thoughtful” training can potentially extend its career, Solum said, citing a study of racehorses that found that the more starts a horse had as a 2-year-old, the longer its career tended to be. So she recommended gradually increasing the workload rather than making sudden, huge changes, and also keeping the horse at an optimal weight.
Be careful with dietary supplements
By feeding your horse well, following a suitable exercise program and keeping him at the right weight, you can give him a good start to the well and fit phase of life. Supplementing with a joint care product can also give you an advantage, but if you decide to feed such a product, be sure to check the ingredients list first.
“The exploit of supplements for joint health has been studied, but the results have been inconsistent and inconclusive, both in terms of symptom-modifying and disease-modifying effects,” Solum said. “If you want to exploit a supplement, look for glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane. [MSM] and omega-3 fatty acids.”
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage and appear to stimulate the production of more cartilage. Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation, and higher levels in the synovial fluid that lubricates joints are associated with less joint pain. MSM also has anti-inflammatory effects and supports the body's ability to repair connective tissue.
Do not skimp on veterinary examinations
Regular visits to the veterinarian are critical because some conditions, such as early-stage joint disease, can be treated with therapeutic injections if detected early before they become a major problem.
“Although excessive intra-articular steroid exploit is not recommended at any age, an inflammatory condition of the joints at any age can ultimately lead to joint deterioration,” Solum said. “Using low-dose, judicious corticosteroid treatments or orthobiologics can assist protect the joint and also assist the horse as training increases in preparation for the Futurity and Derby years.”
Other therapeutics such as polysulfated glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronic acid may also assist relieve symptoms. Should a horse become lame or injured, professional rehabilitation under veterinary supervision may be necessary to assist him regain core strength and resume training.
Continuation of support even in elderly age
A veterinarian from Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery performs an ultrasound scan on a horse's front leg. * QHN archive photo
Joint care doesn't end when a horse's narrow years of life end. As your horse ages, it becomes even more critical to maintain his weight at a well level and to pay attention to systemic changes. But even if your horse loses some of his mobility and can no longer compete at the highest level, that doesn't mean his riding career has to be completely over.
“Working closely with your veterinarian can assist determine when therapeutic injections are indicated in aging horses,” Solum said. “It is also critical to keep track of previous injuries or certain joint diseases so that proper care can be provided or the exploit of NSAIDs may be indicated. It is also possible that if joint disease is present, a lower level of exercise or a change in sport may assist maintain health and longevity.”
