Intra-articular injections are among the most common veterinary interventions in horses, with significant welfare implications for both the injection procedure and the conditions being treated.
Joint injection welfare involves multiple dimensions: the procedural experience, treatment efficacy, and long-term joint health. Many horses receive injections with minimal or no sedation, creating unnecessary procedural stress that can be avoided with appropriate pre-medication. The choice of injectate matters for welfare — corticosteroids provide faster pain relief but carry risks with repeated use, while biologics may offer more sustainable outcomes. Over-reliance on joint injections to maintain horses in work despite ongoing pain raises serious welfare concerns. A welfare-centered approach recognizes that joint injections should primarily serve the horse's comfort, not enable performance at the expense of progressive joint deterioration. Transparency in competition horse medication disclosure supports welfare and fair sport.