Horse with mild OA

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mariaandefe

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Hi all,

I am currently looking for a young rider horse for myself. I found a horse, however its x-ray report has ‘slight risk due to mild OA’. How would this affect the horses career as well as its quality of life? I’ve never had a horse with OA nor have I encountered a horse with OA. I know what it is, but I don’t know exactly how to manage it. I would text my vet, but if it’s a problem that any horse person can point out and explain to me in more detail, then I won’t bother my vet with questions.

Thanks!
 
There's a lot of info on here on arthritis. A lot depends on where it is, how old the horse is, what you plan on doing with it, etc.

Mine has significant arthritis and is managed on a bute a day and monthly cartrophen injection. He also is barefoot. He should be absolutely crippled by looking at his radiographs and he has his compensations but overall he doesn't move too badly for what it is. But, we only hack when he is feeling good but otherwise do in hand stuff....ground work and poles, long lining, in hand walks, etc. He really could use another steroid but I am afraid of laminitis/his feet shooting forward.

Eta: it isn't "curable" and you don't know what course it will take. It is something to really bear in mind if you are considering this horse. I have had my horse for 16 years and he is better off in adjusted and light work than being a pasture puff.
 
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personally from my own experiences no absolutely not. It will only get worse and being a degenerative condition it may not be a problem now but can change quite dramatically quite quickly. It's not worth the risk
 
lynz88 said:
There's a lot of info on here on arthritis. A lot depends on where it is, how old the horse is, what you plan on doing with it, etc.

Mine has significant arthritis and is managed on a bute a day and monthly cartrophen injection. He also is barefoot. He should be absolutely crippled by looking at his radiographs and he has his compensations but overall he doesn't move too badly for what it is. But, we only hack when he is feeling good but otherwise do in hand stuff....ground work and poles, long lining, in hand walks, etc. He really could use another steroid but I am afraid of laminitis/his feet shooting forward.

Eta: it isn't "curable" and you don't know what course it will take. It is something to really bear in mind if you are considering this horse. I have had my horse for 16 years and he is better off in adjusted and light work than being a pasture puff.
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Thanks! He’s a 9yo big warmblood who’s jumped up to 150. Im assuming he’s only for sale due to the mild oa. Will take a read thanks so much

edit: this horse is also barefoot from its photos
 
In your situation I think I would pass, because it's critical to you that the horse can perform to the level you're aiming at (I don't mean that in a nasty way in the slightest). If it was someone looking for temperament over performance, eg a child's pony or a gentle, confidence giving hack for an adult, then I would definitely take a punt. But if performance is key then it's probably not worth the risk, unless you have the cash / land to step the horse down if the OA does progress, and buy another one.
 
Widgeon said:
In your situation I think I would pass, because it's critical to you that the horse can perform to the level you're aiming at (I don't mean that in a nasty way in the slightest). If it was someone looking for temperament over performance, eg a child's pony or a gentle, confidence giving hack for an adult, then I would definitely take a punt. But if performance is key then it's probably not worth the risk, unless you have the cash / land to step the horse down if the OA does progress, and buy another one.
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Yeah defo! Thanks so much, good thing I won’t have to bother my vet thanks to you guys :) really appreciate all the advice
 
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