Just like it is with people, Arthritis can become a problem in senior horses. I suffer from premature arthritis and have for the past 5 years or so, and I can tell you it is not pleasant. It is very important with senior horses, and other pets for that matter, to recognize the signs of arthritis and learn what to do about it. Better nutrition and medicine is helping senior horses to live longer and fuller lives, and treating arthritis will be important for your senior horse in the aging process.
Horse Nation offers the following:
"First, let’s talk about arthritis.
Horse Nation offers the following:
"First, let’s talk about arthritis.
When a horse is younger
than two-years-old, tissue growth is greater than tissue breakdown or cell
death. It’s called an anabolic state. From
two to fifteen, the tissue replacement is roughly equal to tissue breakdown.
After fifteen, the general trend is overall tissue breakdown. This is called a catabolic
state. It affects all tissue in the musculoskeletal system including
joints and is most accelerated by a decrease in the horse’s ability to digest
nutrients and thyroid and pituitary gland dysfunction.
The general warning signs are:
- · Puffiness around the joint, especially lower legs
- · Stiff, choppy gaits, which usually improve after warm-up
- · Resistance to perform"
No comments:
Post a Comment