Medical treatment of osteoarthritis in the horse - a review.
Authors: Goodrich Laurie R, Nixon Alan J
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Medical Treatment of Osteoarthritis in the Horse Osteoarthritis represents one of the most frequently managed conditions in equine practice, yet optimal treatment requires thorough understanding of synovial joint anatomy and disease pathophysiology to prevent progressive cartilage degeneration. Goodrich and Nixon's 2006 review synthesises evidence on the medical management of equine OA, examining systemic and intraarticular therapeutic approaches including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, naproxen and carprofen), intraarticular corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation agents, and disease-modifying compounds including glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. The review provides comparative toxicity profiles for commonly used NSAIDs and updates on appropriate dosing regimens, administration frequency and indications for intraarticular steroids—knowledge that had evolved considerably in the decade preceding publication. For equine professionals, understanding this multimodal approach—combining systemic inflammation control, local joint treatment, and chondroprotection—underpins evidence-based decision-making when formulating individualised OA management strategies. Given that OA is typically progressive, selecting the correct therapeutic combination and understanding each agent's mechanism and limitations remains essential for optimising outcomes and minimising complications in affected horses.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding synovial joint anatomy and OA pathophysiology is essential for selecting the appropriate drug combination for individual cases.
- •Multiple NSAID options exist with different toxicity profiles; practitioners must match drug selection to the individual horse's needs, duration of treatment required, and risk factors.
- •Intraarticular therapy (steroids and viscosupplements) combined with systemic medications and chondroprotectants provides the most comprehensive approach to managing OA and preventing progression.
Key Findings
- •Medical management of equine OA combines NSAIDs (phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, naproxen, carprofen), intraarticular steroids, viscosupplementation, and chondroprotectants to control inflammation and slow cartilage degradation.
- •Intraarticular steroid administration requires careful consideration of dosage, frequency, and indications to balance therapeutic benefit against toxicity.
- •Disease-modifying OA drugs including glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate offer additional anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective options for equine practitioners.