Joint disease including arthritis is extremely common in horses across all ages and disciplines, causing chronic pain that significantly affects welfare and working capacity.
Joint disease causes chronic pain that affects every aspect of equine welfare including movement, rest, and interaction. Early diagnosis through veterinary assessment enables appropriate management that slows progression. Pain management through veterinary intervention, appropriate exercise, and environmental modification maintains quality of life. End-of-life decisions should be made proactively based on quality of life assessment rather than waiting for catastrophic deterioration.