Equine Joint Health

Healthy joints are essential to quality of life

Throughout life, a horse's joints flex, bear weight and absorb shock in varying degrees. Every ride or event creates 'wear and tear' on the joints. Also known as ‘use trauma,’ this produces changes in the bone and soft tissues of the joint, as well as progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, which are hallmarks of degenerative joint disease (DJD).1

Regardless of age or discipline, DJD can occur within any joint that consistently experiences wear and tear. Over time, DJD causes lameness, which may be noticeable by an owner, rider, trainer or veterinarian. DJD is a common problem that affects career longevity of performance horses, regardless of discipline. For most horses, it’s not if DJD will occur, but when.1

Horse in Yard

In healthy, aging
horses, lameness
is the #1 concern
identified by owners
and veterinarians.2

What is degenerative joint disease (DJD)?

Equine DJD, commonly referred to as osteoarthritis (or OA) can cause lameness in horses of all breeds and ages. This painful disease is characterized by progressive deterioration of the articular cartilage, which is accompanied by changes in bone and soft tissues of the joint.1

Up to 60%
of lameness in
horses is related
to DJD.1

Tips to keep horse’s joints healthy at every stage of life1,2

  • Manage horse at a healthy weight
  • Encourage regular movement and exercise
  • Provide balanced nutrition, particularly during growth phase
  • Appropriate cooling out after vigorous exercise
  • Understand the signs of potential joint problems
  • Work with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat joint diseases or issues early
Adequan Equine 3 Horse Img

Mobility is essential for dogs, too.
INDICATIONS Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. Studies have not been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses. WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For full prescribing information, click here .
1. McIlwraith CW, Frisbie DD, Kawcak CE, van Weeren PR. Joint Disease in the Horse. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, 2016; 33-48.
2. McFarlane D. "How to Establish a HealthCare Program for the Aging Horse in Equine Practice, " AAEP Proceedings, 62: 2016.

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