7 signs your horse may be suffering from arthritis

Arthritis is a common, progressive and painful degenerative joint disease believed to be responsible for 60% of all lameness. It can affect horses of any age, breed and use. Factors that may contribute to the development of arthritis include age, poor conformation, injury; regular, high-impact work; working on hard ground, exaggerated gaits and a long career of jumping.

Signs that may indicate your horse has arthritis include:

• Stiffness that goes away as the horse warms up.
• Subtle changes in the way the horse moves, such as shortening of stride, hollowing of the back, or raising of the head.
• Mild soft swelling of the joints of the distal limbs, or bony swelling in the region of joints of the distal limb.
• Reduced range of motion in joints. Reluctance to perform to normal ability.
• Change in personality or willingness to work.
• Some horses may prefer not to lie down as frequently due to pain when rising again.

What to do next:

It is important to diagnose and treat arthritis to help your horse live a comfortable, happy and more active life. A definitive diagnosis can be made by your veterinarian, and you may wish to consider a daily joint health supplement such as our 4CYTE™ Equine Granules or 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte Horse.

4CYTE™ is a feed additive used to aid and actively maintain joint health.