Arthritis in the Horse

A horse's skeleton is being renewed and refurbished at an imperceptible rate but in a continuous process. This means that the skeleton currently in existence will cease to exist in 12 - 18 months (at best estimates). The old skeleton is gradually removed and replaced by new.

What this means is that the skeleton and any abnormalities that have developed over the years are not permanent. They are subject to change, for the better or for the worse. In fact, change is inevitable. What we hope to do, through natural medicine, is to influence the renewal process such that gradual improvement can take place. At the same time, we attempt to deal with the disabling pain symptoms (through healing, not through suppression of symptoms by painkillers).

At best, the suppressive painkilling approach of modern drugs will suppress pain for a time but it cannot prevent worsening of the disease. At worst it will cause drug side effects.

In natural medicine, we aim to stimulate the body's natural healing and recycling/remodelling processes, so that real improvement can take place.

We also look closely at diet, since the ingredients of the diet will directly contribute to the health of the new skeleton that we are trying to cultivate. Ideally, the diet should be fresh, preferably organic and home-prepared from ingredients of known quality. In the 'links' section of this article, there are links to diet advice.

The main therapies we might use would be Acupuncture, Homeopathy and Herbs, sometimes combined in an integrated treatment programme.

In horses and ponies, we also make a point of checking saddling and shoeing.

Acupuncture has been beneficial in so many cases, not only to help the longer term issues presented by arthritis but also to help in pain management and mobility in the shorter term.

We would use needling or LASER treatment of acupuncture points.

We would also use chiropractic manipulation, to ensure optimal skeletal alignment and to minimise ongoing skeletal stress.

The image on the right shows a horse relaxed during a needling and electro-acupuncture session.

The links section at the end of this lens will provide a link to more information on Acupuncture.

Homeopathic medication is used for two main purposes. The first is to bring about more comfort and more mobility. The second is to guide that skeletal remodelling we were discussing, in order to bring about longer-term real improvement in skeletal structure, health and function.

Common homeopathic medicines that have been used are Bryonia, Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea phosphorica, Caulophyllum, Dulcamara, Hecla lava, Kalmia latifolia, Ledum palustre, Rhus toxicodendron, Ruta graveolens and Silicea but there are many others that might be chosen, on the basis of signs and symptoms, constitutional appearance, demeanour, behaviour etc.

The links section at the end of this lens will give a link to more detail on Homeopathy.

Herbs may have a great part to play in the management and treatment of arthritis.

Herbs such as Alfalfa, Arctium lappa (Burdock), Berberis vulgaris (Barberry), Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset), Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet), Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw), Salyx sp. (Willow), Symphytum officinale (Comfrey), Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Yucca sp. may be offered.

Herbal medicine is the forerunner of modern drug medicine and many modern drugs are derived more or less directly from medicinal herbs. Aspirin, a very effective treatment for arthritic pain, was originally derived from willow or meadowsweet. Horses that are suffering the pain of arthritis will willingly eat the bark of the willow tree, to obtain relief.

The links section at the end of this lens will provide a link to more information on Herbal Medicine (Phytotherapy).

The very wide range of options in natural medicine, most of which offer either stimulus to healing or support for healing can offer an arthritic horse or pony a great deal of hope. While not every case can respond, absolutely zero response is extremely rare.

The author is independent of commercial interest or sponsorship and cannot endorse any products or advertising material attached to this lens.

For more information, visit AVMC's information website (over 600 pages).

Chris Day - holistic vet - runs the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre in Oxfordshire (AVMC) in Oxfordshire, UK.

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Acupuncture for Horses and Ponies

Homeopathy for Horses and Ponies

Herbal Medicine for Animals

Back Problems in Horses and Ponies

Moonblindness - ERU

Arthritis in Horses and Ponies

How to give Homeopathic Medicines to Dogs, Cats and Horses

Saddling - How saddling can affect horse health and welfare