New mare with tendon/arthritis/joint problems.

[midnight mayhem]

So I've agreed to take on this mare who will mainly be a field companion and used for the occasional plod down the lane to give her old legs a stretch and hopefully help a little with joints etc. Shes a lovely thing and settled in straight away, out 24/7 at the moment with the other. The thing is I haven't had too much experience with Previous tendon damage/joint probs and arthritis. The Previous owner just gave her a supplement in feed when fed in winter and that seems about it. Any advice from people with more knowledge/ experience? Shes such a sweet thing I really want to do my best by her. Oh and she's a 25 year old IDx

 

[KentOsteo]

Most important thing would be keeping her mobile to stop her stiffening up. Very very very gentle work i.e. plodding would be ideal then! Also in the winter keeping those legs warm - if she lives out then maybe providing a nice strawy field shelter area. Also have a think about having a regular massage/osteopath treatment to help keep things loosened up. As regards supplements I am quite dubious about most of them, and their wild claims.... However some kind of natural anti-inflammatory product/herb may help her feel more comfortable!