When horses develop arthritis in their hocks, they need a management plan that corresponds to both the horse and the owner, writes Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA. She shares important management decisions for the horse owner to make with their veterinarian. As the disease progresses, owners might need to adjust that plan and eventually consider a lower workload for the horse.
Michelle L. Delco, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, reinforces the importance of consistently working with a veterinarian who knows the owner and horse very well. This is critical as NSAIDs, steroids, orthobiologics and fusion therapy may be required to improve horse comfort.
Source: The Horse, October 8, 2025. Link.
While studies in horses are lacking, research on human arthritis has shown that low-grade walking exercise every day is the only therapy proven to slow arthritis. “It’s better than any drug on the market.” – Michelle L. Delco, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS
Image: Link.