Arthritis in Horses - The Guide with Everything You Need to Know

Are you worried about arthritis in your horse? Whether you’re dealing with a new diagnosis or seeking deeper understanding, this guide is for YOU to help you through the maze of information; offering clarity, hope, and actionable solutions. This guide focuses on the most common type of arthritis – Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease.

Note: This guide is designed to complement veterinary advice. Always consult a professional for your horse’s care. Brave Horse CBD supports your journey towards health and wellness.

The Basics of Arthritis in Horses

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative musculoskeletal disease that affects a wide range of horses. It is characterized by joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness that progressively limits movement¹²and impacts your horse’s quality of life. A main feature of the disease is the loss of articular cartilage (cartilage at the point where two bones meet to form joints) and the degradation of the cartilage matrix itself.³While it is not technically classified as an inflammatory condition, synovial inflammation is a feature of the disease.⁴

What Causes Arthritis?

Joint trauma is the leading cause of arthritis. This can mean the repetitive stress of years of hard work. Infected wounds can cause an acute type of degenerative joint disease called septic arthritis. Although OA is progressive and cannot be cured, it can be slowed with the proper care and treatments.

Key Symptoms to Look Out For

Stiffness or lameness, especially after rest
Swelling or warmth around joints
Reluctance to perform usual activities or movements
Audible “popping” sounds during movement

Can a Horse with Arthritis Still be Ridden?

Yes, with careful management and appropriate exercise, many horses with arthritis continue to lead active lives. Tailored exercise programs, focusing on gentle, consistent movement, can help maintain joint mobility and comfort.

At What Age Do Horses Get Arthritis?

Arthritis can occur at any age but is more commonly seen in older horses due to accumulated wear and tear on their joints. However, younger horses can also be affected, especially if they have a history of joint injuries or are engaged in high-intensity activities.

What Treatments Are Available? How Can I Help my Horse with Arthritis?

Current treatments for OA primarily focus on pain and symptom management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids with the endpoint treatment being surgical joint replacement.⁵⁶⁷These treatments do not treat the root of the issue and often cause negative side effects. While some potential disease-modifying drugs or treatments that prevent cartilage degeneration are in developmental stages, none are currently available.⁸⁹

Natural Strategies for Managing Arthritis

Dietary adjustments: Emphasize omega-3 fatty acids to combat inflammation and ensure a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
Supplementation: Incorporate natural vitamin E and complete joint supplements rich in glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid.
Weight management: Keep your horse at a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
Regular hoof care: Proper trimming and, if necessary, therapeutic shoeing can alleviate joint stress.
Exercise: Maintain mobility with regular, gentle exercise, avoiding excessive strain.

Embracing CBD for Arthritis Relief

In the exploration of the endocannabinoid system, scientists have found the presence of both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in cartilage, bone, and joint tissue, which has led them to investigate the possibility of using cannabinoids as a treatment for OA.2 A recent study found that treatment with CBG/CBG oil significantly reduced the thickness of the synovial membrane, which indicates possible anti-inflammatory effects.¹⁰

Here’s More About How Brave Horse CBD Can Offer a Natural, Holistic Approach to Managing Arthritis in Horses:

Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBD and CBG can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, supporting overall joint health and mobility to manage arthritis.
Antioxidant Support: CBD’s and CBG’s antioxidant properties combat oxidative stress, a key factor in arthritis progression.
Exercise Enhancement: CBD and CBG can improve comfort during and after exercise, encouraging regular movement without excessive stress on the joints.

Recent studies reveal CBG’s potential in not just easing arthritis symptoms but also in modifying the disease’s progression. Treatment with CBG has been shown to protect and potentially repair and regenerate cartilage, thanks to its action on CB2 receptors.¹¹¹²Although this research is still new and emerging, it means CBG can address the root cause of osteoarthritis, making it a game-changer in the care of horses worldwide! You can read more in-depth about this recent study here if you enjoy seeing the science.

Brave Horse’s Commitment to Your Horse’s Wellness

At Brave Horse CBD, we’re dedicated to supporting your horse’s journey through arthritis with a natural, non-invasive approach to supplement your horse’s treatments. Our CBD and CBG are grown in the USA, THC-free, and third-party tested with the highest standards to ensure safety and efficacy. Our handcrafted range of products are made in-house and in small batches for quality control. With the right knowledge, support, and resources, including the potential of CBG, your horse can enjoy a happier, more active life despite arthritis. Discover how Brave Horse can be part of creating a Calm, Brave, and Dependable horse.

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About the author

Shannon holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Loyola University Chicago and began her journey in cannabis chemistry in 2018. Passionate about cannabis science, she developed protocols for in-house testing, established cannabis testing and research labs across the USA, and trained future chemists.

At Brave Horse, Shannon serves as a chemist, ensuring product quality and championing the benefits of cannabis through chemistry education. Outside of work, she cherishes moments with her family and her playful boxer, Chance.

If you have any burning questions, she loves to answer anything chemistry-related!

Shannon Wilkens

Chemist specializing in Cannabis

Navigating Arthritis in Horses: A Path to Happy and Healthy Horse