Arthritis in hind legs

[Rick]

Does anyone have a horse that has there hind legs (joints) crack when they walk? Sounds like someone craking thier knuckles. He is 13 and is very sound. Have no problems with him or his hind legs, but sometimes sound bad when he walks around. You can tell much more when he is in his stall and walks in circles. I dont know if this is a early sign of bad arthritis setting in.

[Michelle]

I'm not sure what it is but sometimes when i'm schooling my mare it sounds like her back fetlocks click. She is about 16yrs.

[olympicprincess]

My dressage mare has arthritis in her hocks due to the demand of weight being there. If he is sound, then it's alright for now. Sometimes it's just from being stiff(standing in stall for long time). There is a possibility that, in the future, he may need anti-inflammatory medication or liniments before he can be used. Sometimes, I can't ride my mare because she is so stiff. Usually a long warm-up (mostly walking) helps get them stretched and ready for work. Good Luck.

[Heather]

Try putting him on a chondroitin/glucosamine supplement like Cortaflex, purely as a precaution. These are naturally occurring substances, which lubricate the joints, so cannot do any harm. there are plenty of top level riders that swear by the stuff, and it really does seem to have veterinary reccommendations, unlike some of the potions around that make similar claims.

It is also available for use in humans for arthritic/joint conditions, and I know of several older folk who say it has helped.
Can't hurt to try it-

Heather

[Horselover2]

Rick, the Cortaflex is a good idea. But I would have a vet check him out to be sure that it's arthritis. If it is, my advice is to make sure that he has LOTS of pasture time. There is nothing worse for an arthritic horse than to be in a stall all day...daily turnout is essential. If you are already doing this, than please excuse my assumption that he's not getting enough exercise. Also, just want to say that my old mare has arthritis in her hocks, but I've never heard any creaking from it.

If it is arthritis at the age of 13, the Cortaflex will not only help now, but will aid preventing it from becoming worse with time.

Good Luck with him!

[David]

Hi,
My, now retired, 24 year old endurance horse has arthritis and he gets apple cider vinegar in his feed every day. This has allowed him to lead a normal life. He is ridden nearly every day and now has no problems. Try it, it works and will be better for him than any drug.

[Rick]

I was thinking about starting glucosimine for him. I have heard that is very good for them.

David, How much apple cider do you give them at a feeding ? How do you give it to him ?
In his feed ? As a drink ?

Thanks

[Zoey]

I use cider vinegar for my mare who has really bad arthritis in a knee (now retired). The stuff I get you can give 35ml per day - I split it between feeds but you can put it in the water instead (which is sometimes easier if they don't like the smell).
I also give her super solvitax cod liver oil (tablespoon per day) - that stuff is great. You can get it regular strength or concentrated which is what I use. That might be worth a go too.

[Horselover2]

David and Zoey,

I've heard of using the cider vinegar but was somewhat skeptical. I will try it w/my horse. I don't have her on any supplements for it because she's fine as long as she has enough exercise. I agree that natural is better!

[Zoey]

Horselover2

I can't guarantee that the cider vinegar works as my mare has so much lack of movement I can't tell - but I am prepared to try anything to keep her feeling ok. (She is at the moment but that could just be because the weather is warming up here now).
The cod liver oil definitely worked with her though.
Another thing I tried was homeopathic stuff with her - belladonna - again I lived in hope but I am not sure it was as dramatic as I would have wanted. I agree natural is better - especially if your horse has a longer life expectancy than my horse (I don't know how long the knee will keep going). She has degenerative arthritis which means one day the inside of her knee will collapse - I have to make the decision to end it for her before that day. VERY hard decision to make - especially when I see her galloping round the field and acting like a 2 year old. I know I am off the subject a little. Anyway we have opted for the medication now and she is on Bute daily.