A lot depends on the severity that your horse’s joints are affected, and treatment is aimed at reducing the further development of the disease and to reduce the pain. Arthritis is an unwelcome diagnosis for any horse, regardless of his discipline or occupation.

“A horse could certainly slip in the paddock while playing and pull a ligament,” says Baxter. Rest will be recommended in order to alleviate the swelling and provide the opportunity for the joint to begin to heal. Whether the condition appears suddenly after trauma or gradually with worsening stiffness, it means the same thing: Chronic inflammation has led to permanent degradation of the cartilage in a horse's joints. “And years of riding and concussion of any type can take a toll on the joint, leading to arthritis, which is simply a long-term chronic injury.” Diagnostic advances.

Stifle injuries can be difficult to detect.

Recovery of Osteoarthritis in Horses This very complex disease can be managed with an appropriate veterinary regimen. But any horse can injure a stifle. Treatment of Stifle Injuries in Horses Once your veterinarian has diagnosed the stifle injury in your horse, treatment will vary based upon the specific injury or disease.