Horse Health Tips on Equine Flu and Arthritis

With Equine Flu know to others as ARD, it seems the most common cause of ARD is several types of mould spores and weeds in hay or straw. This is a seasonal thing, so you may only see the problem popping up in the spring and the summer. Problem is, winter and fall feed come from the same source, so what happens is the horse builds up sensitivity over time and their reactions increase.

If you're at home solutions aren't helping much, call you're Vet and have her take a look at the fluid and cells in the horse's lungs to figure out how severe the allergy is. There's also a new blood test that can tell the Vet precisely what the horse is allergic to. Exciting news, because that means customized treatments for each horse. Other treatments include corticosteroids (cortisone) and bronchodilators.

Arthritis in the Older Horses

Older horses are usually attacked by arthritis, and while it can slow them down, there are exercises to help him regain his condition. Take him out of retirement and give him regular exercise - not the rodeo style kind, but gentle, tailored to his condition style exercises. The muscles around his joints will benefit by being strengthened and help protect the joints from stress. It's a known fact a conditioned horse usually has significantly thicker and healthier cartilage than an unfit equine and the major reasons to take him out of retirement and give him some pep? Regular exercise works wonders for his attitude, appetite, digestion and general well being. He's been your companion for so long, he deserves the best.

You can try using a flexible ice pack or even a bag of frozen peas tucked in a towel on the swollen joint for 5 minutes. Remove for 15 minutes, repeat 3 times in a row. If you can wrap the joint, then try a standing bandage to help reduce swelling and inflammation. You can also try Neo-Ice Equine bandages or an ice gel that provides deep penetrating action to help reduce edema and inflammation.

Throw in some passive stretching exercises as well. For instance, pick up the affected leg, gently bend and straighten it - about ten times per joint. Try to do this about 3 - 4 times a day. This assists cartilage and soft-tissue healing and decreases scar-tissue formation.

Check your senior's diet and make sure he's getting the right dietary supplements in the right amounts. Don't assume his feed provides everything he needs. Check this with your Veterinarian. The large-intestinal function changes as your horse gets older, and they need higher-quality protein, alternative forms of roughage and supplemental vitamin B. Commercial senior feed is good for the older horse who cannot maintain weight. Just watch the deadly mixture of not enough exercise and too much rich food or you may wind up with a portly horse.
By Letho Maseko