Frequently asked questions about equine osteoarthritis
View complete questions/answers
What is equine osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD)?
Show AnswerEquine osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that causes degeneration of the joints, resulting in pain, inflammation and reduced mobility. It can affect any joint in your horse's body.
Trauma to the joint, conformation, age and improper shoeing are some of the typical causes equine OA.
- Limping or lameness
- Decreased activity or exercise (reluctance to stand, walk, trot or canter, or difficulty performing these activities)
- Stiffness or decreased movement of joints
What can I do if I think my horse has arthritis?
Show Answer
- If you suspect your horse is suffering from joint pain, ask your veterinarian to examine your horse. Your veterinarian can perform a lameness evaluation and will possibly recommend x-rays, ultrasounds, or other diagnostics.
- Should OA be diagnosed, ask for information about treatment for the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, including EQUIOXX® (firocoxib).
- Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
How will my veterinarian make a diagnosis of OA
in my horse?
Show AnswerIn addition to observing your horse during a routine lameness examination, your veterinarian has several diagnostic tools available for determining whether your horse has arthritis, including:
- Nerve and Joint blocks
- Radiographs
- Ultrasound
- Thermography
- Fluoroscopy
- Nuclear Scintigraphy
- CT
- MRI
Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for OA in horses, but the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis can be treated.
What is the treatment for equine osteorarthritis?
Show AnswerTreatment for equine OA focuses on alleviating pain and inflammation in the joint which may allow your horse to have increased mobility.
Ask you veterinarian for more information about treating the pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis with EQUIOXX.
As with any prescription medication, prior to use, a veterinarian should perform a physical examination and review the horse's medical history. A veterinarian should advise horse owners to observe for signs of potential drug toxicity. As a class, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Use with other NSAIDs, corticosteroids or nephrotoxic medication should be avoided. EQUIOXX has not been tested in horses less than 1 year of age or in breeding horses, or pregnant or lactating mares. For additional information please refer to the prescribing information or visit www.equioxx.com.
