Hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid exerts its beneficial effects by encouraging the production of beneficial products by cartilage cells and discouraging the production of the degradative products. It also serves as a lubricant of the soft tissues of the joint. He stressed that the beneficial effects of these agents comes from their ability to encourage the production of normal cartilage components and to suppress the cartilage cells' tendency to produce degradative enzymes. These agents may delay the progression of osteoarthritis and may reduce pain and discomfort, but they do not effect a cure for the arthritis condition. The surgical management of osteoarthritis is often combined with medical management.
Early intervention is key to minimize the progression of osteoarthritis.
Cartilage and bone fragments should be removed when small, and large fragments and fractures should be stabilized with screws or other devices, with particular attention paid to restoring as smooth a joint surface as possible. In very advanced, end-stage joints, ardthodsis or joint fusing procedures can be performed which essentially eliminate the joint as functional unit. This results in pain relief but may eliminate the horse's use as an athlete. These procedures are expensive and have fairly long recovery times. Dr. Staller discussed that one of the most active areas of research presently is in joint resurfacing.