Post by IH Health on Jan 27, 2009 16:58:53 GMT 1
Arthritis & Degenerative Joint Disease
Also known as
DJD and Osteoarthritis
What is it?
Arthritis is simply an inflammation of a joint. The damage can be either inside the joint itself or the ligaments that surround the joining. The resulting inflammation increases the amount of fluid in the joining area which can cause uncomfortable swelling. Degenerative Joint Disease is a condition where arthritis has developed to such a point that the physical structure of a joint has deteriorated a lot. The cartilage in and around the joint can break apart or erode, the joint fluid no longer cushions the bones and it watery, the capsules of the joints become stretched and degraded and the surrounding ligaments become stretched and the bones become week causing calcium build up in strange areas (causing such conditions as ringbone).
Types
Osteochondrosis – Arthritis where only cartilage is affected.
Causes
There are many causes of arthritis – old age being the most common. Others include trauma, infection, over exercise, poor conformation or dietary deficiencies such as not enough minerals and vitamins.
Symptoms
* Stiffness
* Lameness
* Swelling in the joint
* Heat in joint
Diagnosis
Vet examination followed by nerve blocks, radiography and xrays, MRI scanning or lab testing of joint fluid.
Treatment
Treatment is normally through anti-inflammatory drugs such as Bute which reduced pain and inflammation. Injections such as sodium hyaluronate and PSGAG can be used in joints and muscles to reduce inflammation and prompt healing. Alternative treatments such as Devils Claw and No Bute are also used by some. For cartiledge damage products such as Glucosamine, MSM and Apple Cider Vinegar are all cited as being effective. Magnetic boots are also recommended by some. In homeopathic terms Rhus Tox, Ruta Grav and Arnica are said to help. Products such as Cortaflex have had positive results in some cases. It is believed that gentle exercise can also help mobility and equine swimming pools are touted as being great exercise. Correct diet is also a must. There is a surgical option in severe cases where the joints are ‘fused’. There is also emerging research onto gene therapy treatment.
Websites (click on title for link)
Equine Natural Therapy
Horses and Horse Information
Gene therapy for equine joint disease
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Arthritic Horse – Management Hints and Tips?
Dennis Update
Arthritis in the shoulder/knee?
Arthritus
Danilon and drinking excessively demolishing salt
Magnetic Boots – Do they work?
Magnetic Wraps/Boots
Alternatives for Degenerative Disorders
Experiences with arthritic horses
Bute
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
Also known as
DJD and Osteoarthritis
What is it?
Arthritis is simply an inflammation of a joint. The damage can be either inside the joint itself or the ligaments that surround the joining. The resulting inflammation increases the amount of fluid in the joining area which can cause uncomfortable swelling. Degenerative Joint Disease is a condition where arthritis has developed to such a point that the physical structure of a joint has deteriorated a lot. The cartilage in and around the joint can break apart or erode, the joint fluid no longer cushions the bones and it watery, the capsules of the joints become stretched and degraded and the surrounding ligaments become stretched and the bones become week causing calcium build up in strange areas (causing such conditions as ringbone).
Types
Osteochondrosis – Arthritis where only cartilage is affected.
Causes
There are many causes of arthritis – old age being the most common. Others include trauma, infection, over exercise, poor conformation or dietary deficiencies such as not enough minerals and vitamins.
Symptoms
* Stiffness
* Lameness
* Swelling in the joint
* Heat in joint
Diagnosis
Vet examination followed by nerve blocks, radiography and xrays, MRI scanning or lab testing of joint fluid.
Treatment
Treatment is normally through anti-inflammatory drugs such as Bute which reduced pain and inflammation. Injections such as sodium hyaluronate and PSGAG can be used in joints and muscles to reduce inflammation and prompt healing. Alternative treatments such as Devils Claw and No Bute are also used by some. For cartiledge damage products such as Glucosamine, MSM and Apple Cider Vinegar are all cited as being effective. Magnetic boots are also recommended by some. In homeopathic terms Rhus Tox, Ruta Grav and Arnica are said to help. Products such as Cortaflex have had positive results in some cases. It is believed that gentle exercise can also help mobility and equine swimming pools are touted as being great exercise. Correct diet is also a must. There is a surgical option in severe cases where the joints are ‘fused’. There is also emerging research onto gene therapy treatment.
Websites (click on title for link)
Equine Natural Therapy
Horses and Horse Information
Gene therapy for equine joint disease
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Arthritic Horse – Management Hints and Tips?
Dennis Update
Arthritis in the shoulder/knee?
Arthritus
Danilon and drinking excessively demolishing salt
Magnetic Boots – Do they work?
Magnetic Wraps/Boots
Alternatives for Degenerative Disorders
Experiences with arthritic horses
Bute
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
