A New Approach To An Old Malady: The Latest In Orthobiologics

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258 – March/April, 2024

By Megan Arszman

If you’ve owned horses long enough, you’ve had to deal with the aches and pains a horse can get as he starts to age. Whether the horse is used solely in the halter arena, is a trail superstar, or is a speed demon through the poles, there is wear and tear on his joints that can cause pain to alter his stride and impact his quality of life. Those aches and pains are often caused by osteoarthritis, which is a progressive disease that compromises joint health.

While it may seem like the market is flooded with anti-inflammatory medications, injections, gels, and who-knows-what-else to battle the discomfort your horse might be feeling, some researchers working with Zoetis Equine are looking at something a little more… organic… to treat this malady.

Osteoarthritis: A Pain Everywhere

Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of a joint–or joints–which is characterized by the increased loss of the cartilage that provides a cushion in the joint. There is inflammation within the joint which causes pain and swelling, and this is sometimes one of the first clinical signs of osteoarthritis.

Managing this malady is one of the most common subjects of studies for universities and pharmaceutical companies such as Zoetis. There is no one-stop-shop for managing the deterioration of the joint; instead, there is a multi-faceted approach that involves proper nutrition, quality hoof care, a strong partnership with your veterinarian for medical care, and other therapies.

Searching for Treatments

Click here to read the complete article
258 – March/April, 2024