From: jsnyder@cadev6.intel.com (Jan Snyder )
Subject: Re: arthritis
Summary: Keep 'em moving and they'll keep moving.
Reply-To: jsnyder@cadev6.UUCP (Sallijan Snyder )
Organization: Microprocessor Component Group, Intel Corp., Santa Clara, CA
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1992 21:01:47 GMT

In article <1992Nov10.155816.28976@wam.umd.edu> tara@wam.umd.edu (Tara) writes:
>Hi all,
>	I just want some imput from anyone who has dealt with an 
>arthritic horse.  My organization, the University of Maryland
>Equestrian Association, has been approaced with a possible donation.
>However the horse has arthritis.  She is a 15yr old mare who is 
>postively "bomb-proof" and would possibly fit into our organization.
>The owner did say that on cold/wet days she could not be cantered...due
>to her condition.
>	Are horses are not overworked (not by a long shot!) and so
>this mare would have a relatively "cushy" job.  I just want to know,
>and get imput from others, on how arthritis could effect a horse and
>any long term effects (would the horse's condition worsen with age?).
>	Private e-mail is fine.
>
>
>             ,--, | University of Maryland Equestrian Association 
>       _ ___/ /\| |
>   ,;`( )__, )  ~ | Horses: Quaker, Bud, Playboy, Tommy, Casey, Darla
>  //  //   '--;   | 	    Nehi, Classy, Dee, Vern
>  '   \     |     | 
>tara@wam.umd.edu  |         


Hi Tara,

Obviously a vet would have to evaluate this particular horse, but if
you're not looking for jumping or endurance material, arthritis should
not be a deal-killer.  The advice I've consistenly seen is that keeping
an arthritic horse or human active lengthens their active life--sort of
a use-it-or-lose-it situation.  

My case history:  We got Quiche 2 years ago with known arthritis in 
right knee--can barely bend leg 90 degrees, and not that on a cold day
before warming up.  She's been a great trail horse on the local hills--
just doesn't like going down as much as going up.  We started her on 
Flex-Free this summer to slow joint deterioration, and I intend to start 
using bute on days I work her this winter.  This mare is so willing to 
"go" that it's easy to dismiss the more subtle signs of discomfort, and 
her regular rider tends to miss the subtleties (or maybe I'm overly protective).
I want to keep Quiche going until she tells me she's had enough. 

Your bottom-line may be: "Can we get enough use out of this mare to 
justify the feed/vet bills?"  What will managing condition cost?  Decide 
that before you take her and people start getting attached. 

Good luck!

-Sallijan
 Quiche, 18yo Arab "sweetie"
 Tammy, 15yo Morab "dear brat" (for sale)
 Dusty, 7yo Arab/POA "cute little guy" (for sale)
 and the potentials: Shadow Dancer (~9yo black Paso mare)
                     Peeky (~10yo chestnut Paso mare)
 and felines Imp, Gringo and Rags (geldings all)

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