Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) 

Arthritis, often called degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a condition that afflicts many horses. Arthritis is not only painful, but makes it difficult for a hors to move about. The condition is characterized by acute pain and swelling of the joints, many times resulting from an infection.

Left untreated, arthritis can cause your horse to lead a painful and miserable life, so proper diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian is vital.

Symptoms and Types

1. Acute (rapid onset and/or short course) arthritis

• Pain
• Swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Abscesses (severe cases)

2. Chronic (persistent or long-lasting) arthritis

• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Temporary lameness

Causes

• Trauma to the joint
• Wound
• Infection
• Strenuous sports

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will easily be able to diagnose arthritis in your horse, general with a physical examination.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of the arthritis and its underlying cause, your veterinarian may prescribe one of many courses of treatment for your horse. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a common treatment. An oral supplement may also be prescribed for long-term prevention of arthritis pain.

Living and Management

A horse prone to arthritis should stay under a veterinarian’s care. Horses already suffering from the condition need plenty of rest and a healthy diet, as arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating.