My name is Alberto Rullan
13 years ago I made a promise, this promise was that I will always practice the best medicine available and that I will help as many horses as humanly possible.
Equine Arthritis
Arthritis is a common ailment that plagues both animals and humans alike. This joint inflammation can cause pain and stiffness that can be either acute or chronic. Arthritis can be caused by a variety of factors such as infection, injury, or cumulative stress from daily activity. Horses are at an additional risk for developing arthritis as issues with shoeing, trimming, hoof deformities, and genetic influences. Here at Performance Equine Veterinary Services, we are proud to help diagnose and treat arthritis in horses.
While many horses only experience arthritis when they are older, younger horses are still susceptible to stiffness and lameness that may be a result of some form of arthritis. For this reason, it is important to take note of any changes you notice and bring them to our attention.
Early treatment is always preferable so that we can often help the horse continue a comfortable career as he or she ages. This is usually achieved through a combination of rest and medication, though we may also recommend other treatment methods such as massage, chiropractic care, and/or acupuncture.
There are steps that you can take to help your horse stay comfortable in addition to seeking treatment early. We typically recommend a regimen of light exercise and light riding on a regular basis to help prevent your horse from becoming stiff. Always allow your horse time to warm up and cool down before and after periods of exercise to prevent injury. Maintain regular farrier visits to ensure that there is no additional strain to the legs and feet during exercise. Additionally, provide a balanced diet to help your horse maintain a healthy weight. This is especially important for arthritic horses.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (352) 307-3690.