b'SPORTS MEDICINEand exercising is in most cases preferabletwo joints are affected by OA or to treat a to letting him turn into a pasture puff.horse during a flare-up, she adds.Maintaining muscle mass aroundIf the arthritis is more widespread, the affected joint helps to stabilize (it),however, veterinarians often recommend preventing joint laxity (looseness) anda systemic oral non-steroidal anti-abnormal loading, Jarvis says, which caninflammatory medication (NSAID), such lead to additional soundness issues.as phenylbutazone (Bute) or firocoxib However, its important to exercise(Equioxx). How frequently you should the arthritic horse in scenarios that willadminister medications and at what dose promote longevity, rather than place himdepends on the horse; your veterinarian at undue risk for more joint pain, basedwill review administration instructions on the severity of his disease. with you when he or she prescribes the It is important that the exercise ismedication. Dont change the dose or fre-tailored to the individual horse after con- quency without checking with your vet.sulting your vet, Jarvis says. ExerciseA word of caution: Remember that can range from daily walks in hand to athe chronic use of NSAIDs can result in gentle hack, but all should be accompa- gastric ulcers, Malinowski says. nied by a warmup and cool-down. If your veterinarian recommends an Malinowski agrees, suggesting a slowNSAID, ask if he or she also recom-and lengthy (15- to 20-minute) warmupmends a gastric support product to help DUSTY PERINat the walk before progressing to the trotreduce the drugs effects on the stomach and canter. Give your horse walk breakslining.as needed, and encourage correct move- Your older horse might benefit from limb icingAnother option, of course, is an oral ment and balanced gaits. Also, be sure heafter exercise. joint supplement. While manufacturers is moving well and comfortably beforehavent always had research to back up beginning more complex tasks.OA, Jarvis says, so be gradual in yourtheir product claims, more are having in-The horse should be moving freelyrequests during work. dependent clinical studies conducted on before moving on to higher level move-Consider alternative exercises astheir supplements. Ask your veterinarian ments, like dressage or reining or jump- needed, Malinowski says. For instance,if he or she has a supplement recommen-ing, she adds. swimming is great! The horse gets todation, and look for products backed by Other considerations to remember: move without the concussion of land- research if you opt to try one.For horses with OA, concussiveing on a limb which may be arthritic.road work is unhelpful, regardless of Finally, keep realistic expectationsDont: Forget About Icewhether they are shod or unshod, Jar- about exercise levels, and rememberResearchers are constantly learning vis says. Rather, confine most exercisethat OA will progress over time. Annew things about horses and their care to the softer footing typically found inarthritic horse may get to the pointand management. Some of these find-grassy fields or well-maintained arenas.that it can no longer perform higher- ings, of course, dispute what weve done level movements or jumping withoutfor decades (rotational deworming, for discomfort, Malinowski says. example), while others confirm these age-Adds Jarvis, Once OA is more ad- old techniques have a place in modern-Try to keep OAvanced, simply pottering about in a level,day horse care.(even-footed) paddock is helpful for theOne of those latter concepts is ice.horses between aged horse. Ice is always a universal helper to 4 and 6 Do: Work With Your Veterinarian toreduce inflammation, whether it be mus-cular or skeletal, Malinowski says. Provide Appropriate Support Ask your veterinarian whether your on the BCS scale Not surprisingly, the treatment thatshorse might benefit from icing (either in best-suited for a particular horse dependsan ice/water slurry or via commercial ice on a number of factors, Jarvis says. boots) after exercise.The options will vary dependent on Also, avoid slick footing, which placeshow many joints are affected by OA, theDont: Overlook Hoof Carehorses at risk of slipping or falling. severity of the condition, concurrentProper hoof care is key to helping For some arthritic horses it might beconditions, and, of course, budgetaryarthritic horses stay sound and comfort-necessary to limit exercise to flatterrestrictions, she says. able in work.surfaces, because hills can place signifi- Intra-articular medications (such asIt is essential that the feet are cant stress on joints, she adds. corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid), eitherwell-balanced to ensure even weight-Sharp turns and sudden starts andto support the joint or to directly reduceloading through the joints, Jarvis says. stops can be jarring for horses withinflammation, can be useful if only one orLong toes and collapsed heels also put 40April 2020The Horse|TheHorse.com'