Support Your Arthritic Horse - How Does Equissage Massage Therapy Help Your Horse With Arthritis?

Have you noticed changes in your horse as they age? Maybe an unwillingness to go forward or a reluctance to pick up their feet. It might be the onset of arthritis. They’re likely to have good days and bad days, but there is plenty you can do to help. So, let’s learn more about arthritis in horses, how you can support your horse, and how Equissage Massage pads can help.

What is Arthritis In Horses?

Arthritis is a combination of factors, all centred around your horse's joints. The joints can feel stiff, which can range from a bit of discomfort to full-blown agony and lameness. Arthritis can occur in any joint where two bones are moving against one another, but in horses, it is most commonly seen in the hock and stifle joints.

Can You Cure Arthritis In Horses?

Unfortunately, no. Equine arthritis is a long-term condition that, once your horse has it, can't be cured. With the right support, however, you can manage their symptoms, potentially slow the progression of the disease, and help your horse to feel comfortable and sprightly despite their arthritis.

Why Do Horses Get Arthritis?

In most cases, arthritis is caused by the general wear and tear on horses' joints as they age. So, older horses, like in humans, are more likely to struggle with arthritis than younger horses. However, there are other elements that feed into this. Horses in very hard work, or high impact work, like jumping, are more likely to see damage to their joints earlier, and therefore, arthritis setting in earlier. Poor joint conformation is likely to cause greater stress and strain on the joints, putting horses at greater risk of arthritis. Weight is also a factor. An overweight horse is more likely to have arthritis than a healthy-weight horse due to the extra strain their weight puts on their joints.

What Is Happening Inside An Arthritic Horse’s Joint?

A joint is the point at which two bones meet and move against each other to allow movement. The ends of each bone are coated in smooth cartilage, which protects the bones. The two bones' ends are surrounded by a “joint capsule”, which is filled with a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid.

When damage occurs to the joint, several things may happen. There will be inflammation of the joint, which, in itself, causes pain. The cartilage will begin to break down. This exposes the end of the bones and the nerves within. The bones then grate together, causing more pain. In many cases, bone nodules will also form on the joint ends, making movement even more difficult. Plus, the synovial fluid within the joint capsule can become thicker in viscosity, making the joint feel stiff and uncomfortable. Not fun.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Arthritis In Horses? What Should You Look Out For?

As with any lameness or injury, each horse is different in the way it responds, and your horses may have good and bad days; however, here are some classic signs to look out for if you suspect your horse has arthritis;

• Reluctance to have feet picked up

• Stiffness, swelling or heat around the joint

• Popping or cracking noises as the joint moves

• Unwillingness to go forward

• Change in going, or time to warm up

• Bucking and kicking

• Lameness

• General decrease in performance

• Lethargy or low mood.

Caring For Your Arthritic Horse

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there is still plenty you can do to help keep your horse comfortable, mobile, and even in ridden work.

Arthritis Treatments For Horses From Your Vet

There is plenty your vet can offer you, and they will be able to help you decide the best course of action for your horse’s particular situation.

Anti-inflammatory/pain medication

Your vet may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, which will help with pain and reduce inflammation. However, they may decide this isn't the best option as long-term use can cause GI, liver and kidney damage.

Steroid injections

Steroids can be carefully injected into the joint. These have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and can relieve pain symptoms. This technique isn't suitable for horses prone to laminitis, as it can increase the risk of a flare-up.

Hyaluronic acid injections

These injections into the joint can help to slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.

Ways You Can Help Your Arthritic Horse At Home

You can alter your horse’s lifestyle and provide massage and supplements at home, which will have a huge impact on your horse’s comfort and mobility. Here are some of the things you can do to support them.

Give an equine joint supplement

There is a huge range of joint supplements on the market, all with varying levels of effectiveness. Take care, though; some of the most effective, like Devil's Claw, is on the FEI’s controlled substances list!

Management of turnout and work

Movement is actually great for arthritic joints; keeping your horse mobile helps to prevent their joints from stiffening up. Turnout is great. If you can, keep giving them as much time in the field as possible. When riding, make sure you warm them up thoroughly. You might find they need a longer warm-up than in their younger days.

Be Considerate

Your arthritic horse is likely to have good days and bad days, just as we do if we have arthritis. If you feel like they’re feeling stiff, give them a day off, or just take it easy, there is always tomorrow.

How Can Equissage Massage Therapy Help Your Arthritic Horse?

Normal hands-on massage is fantastic for arthritic horses, but it can only achieve so much. Using an Equissage massage pad or an Equissage handheld unit is a highly effective and clinically proven way to deliver a deep tissue massage, improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

What Is Equissage Massage Therapy?

The Equissage Massage Therapy Unit comes as a massage pad for use on your horse’s back or the handheld unit for use all over your horse’s body. Equissage utilises a technology known as NHC Cyclo-Therapy®, or Cycloidal Vibration Therapy (CVT). A unique 3D vibration penetrates deep into your horse’s body, improving circulation and reducing inflammation. In the case of arthritis, it also helps to break up the crystallisation in the joint and mobilise the fluid. Daily use will support your horse’s joint health and overall well-being, not just in their arthritic joints but throughout their body, for improved comfort and performance.

How Can I Use The Equissage Massage Therapy Unit At Home On My Arthritic Horse?

Check out this video to learn how to use the unit on your horse’s arthritic joints. https://www.niagaraequissage.com/arthritis

Can I Use Equissage On Myself? It Sounds Awesome!

Although the Equissage Unit itself is designed for horses, the technology was originally made for human healthcare and is still used in hospitals and clinics across the country. It is a Class 2a registered medical device and is clinically proven to support many musculoskeletal conditions as well as manage wound healing in humans and horses.

How Do I Order An Equissage Massage Therapy Unit?

Equissage Massage Therapy Pads and handheld units have so many uses for your horse, not just in support of arthritis. To show its full potential, we will come to visit your yard and give you a full, no-obligation demonstration of the technology. Our expert will talk about your horse’s situation and recommend uses to improve their well-being, mobility and general health so that you can understand its full potential before you purchase.

How Do I Book An Equissage Demonstration?

Easy, you can book your demonstration online and pick a time that works for you. We look forward to seeing you.