Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Musculoskeletal disease in older horses - symptoms and management
By van Weeren, Paul René & Back, Willem·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice·2016·Department of Equine Sciences, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Musculoskeletal Disease in Aged Horses and Its Management.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
As horses get older, they often develop musculoskeletal disorders, which are problems with their bones and joints. While these issues aren't life-threatening, they can be quite painful and affect the horse's quality of life. The most common conditions are chronic joint disease, known as osteoarthritis, and chronic laminitis, which is inflammation of the hoof. Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on managing pain and ensuring the horse is comfortable, similar to how performance horses are treated, while also adjusting their exercise and living conditions. For laminitis, which can be linked to a hormonal issue in older horses, a medication called pergolide may be used. Overall, these treatments aim to improve the horse's comfort and well-being.
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders are the most prevalent health problem in aging horses. They are not life threatening, but are painful and an important welfare issue. Chronic joint disease (osteoarthritis) and chronic laminitis are the most prevalent. Treating osteoarthritis in the elderly horse is similar to treating performance horses, but aims at providing a stable situation with optimal comfort. Immediate medical treatment of flare-ups, long-term pain management, and adaptation of exercise and living conditions are the mainstays of treatment. Laminitis in the geriatric horse is related often to pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, which may be treated with additional pergolide.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27449390/