Welcome back to another insightful episode from On the Rail Podcast. This time, we delve into the fascinating world of equine joint health and emerging therapies with Dr. Erica Lacher, a practicing equine veterinarian and host of the Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth Podcast. This episode is packed with invaluable information for horse owners, trainers, and equine enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from our discussion.
Housekeeping and Giveaways
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Meet Our Expert: Dr. Erica Lacher
Dr. Erica Lacher brought her extensive knowledge and experience to the table. With 24 years in equine veterinary practice and a passion for improving the world for horses, Dr. Lacher is a wealth of knowledge. In addition to her clinical practice, she runs the Straight from the Horse Doctor’s Mouth Podcast, providing educational content geared towards horse owners.
Key Points on Equine Joint Health
Dr. Lacher shared an in-depth analysis of equine joint health, focusing on common issues, prevention strategies, and the latest therapies available.
Understanding Equine Joint Disease
Dr. Lacher emphasized that joint diseases in horses often arise from asking them to perform tasks they aren't naturally built for. While arthritis is usually seen at the end of the disease process, the initial issues stem from joint inflammation and uneven weight distribution. This leads the body to create compensatory bone that eventually results in arthritic changes.
Prevention Strategies
Fitness and Training Programs
Dr. Lacher stressed the importance of proper fitness training. Horses, especially younger ones, need time to develop the soft tissue structures necessary to support their joints during performance activities. A balanced training regimen, consisting of skill work for about 20% of the time and low-level fitness work the rest of the time, is crucial.
Proper Shoeing
Another critical aspect of joint health is proper shoeing. Radiographs should be used to ensure feet are balanced correctly. Long toe, low heel conformation in horses’ feet can cause significant issues up the leg, necessitating careful attention to trimming and shoeing.
Nutrition and Supplements
Good basic nutrition is essential, focusing on a forage-first diet supplemented by concentrates as needed. Dr. Lacher is generally skeptical about the efficacy of supplements, save for electrolytes in hot weather. The belief is that a well-balanced diet provides all necessary nutrients without the need for additional supplements.
Emerging Therapies
The episode also went into contemporary treatments for joint disease, including the traditional use of steroids and newer, more advanced orthobiologics and hydrogels.
Steroids
Steroids can be effective for short-term relief, but they pose long-term risks, including potential cartilage damage and the risk of laminitis. They are more suitable for immediate inflammation reduction.
Orthobiologics
Orthobiologics like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP), and Pro-Stride are becoming the go-to options for managing joint diseases. These treatments use components derived from the horse’s own body to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Hydrogels
Hydrogels, like Arthromid, offer promising results by hydrating the joint and providing cushioning. They can fill cartilage defects and have been proven to offer long-term relief from joint pain.
Treatment Approaches
Dr. Lacher detailed her systematic approach to diagnosing and treating joint issues, involving full lameness exams, targeted treatments based on specific findings, and modifying training and shoeing strategies.
Importance of Monitoring and Regular Check-Ins
Regularly evaluating horses, especially post-competition, helps in spotting early signs of joint issues and taking preemptive measures. Dr. Lacher advises against preemptive maintenance injections, advocating instead for targeted treatments based on real-time diagnostics.
Conclusion
Proper fitness training, effective nutrition, timely check-ins, and the cautious application of advanced therapies are the cornerstone strategies Dr. Lacher advocates for maintaining equine joint health. Her approach centers around early detection, personalized treatment plans, and a deep understanding of each horse's unique needs.
Connect with Dr. Erica Lacher
For more from Dr. Lacher, check out her podcast, Straight from the Horse Doctor’s Mouth, available on all major platforms. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram through Spring Hill Equine.
For more detailed information, visit her website Spring Hill Equine. We hope this episode and blog post provide you with actionable insights to better manage and treat your horse's joint health.
Stay tuned for more expert advice and discussions from the On the Rail Podcast!
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