Degenerative conditions are depressing; there’s really no way around it. And if your horse has been diagnosed with a degenerative condition, like arthritis or navicular syndrome, it can sometimes seem like there’s nothing you can do to help your horse anymore. Fortunately, you can still help your horse.
Here’s how
1. Provide a living space that encourages movement. Movement and fitness are the key ingredients to continued mobility.
2. Rethink retirement. Keeping horses with degenerative conditions in light work can be very beneficial, as it builds muscle, improves circulation and energizes their energizes their immune system so that they are better able to resist injury and illness.
3. Practice weight management. Extra weight = extra stress on already compromised structures. Ask your Vet to help you optimize your feed program.
4. No hoof, no horse. Hoofcare is even more essential with these horses. Never, ever miss a hoofcare appointment.
5. Take care of the soft tissues. Dysfunction will always create compensation, which will lead to tightness and pain in muscles and fasciitis and will increase the stress placed on other structures. Regular massage will restore function and a more normal range of motion and reduce pain and compensatory patterns. This can lead to a more comfortable, higher quality of life for your horse, despite his injury or condition.
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