Horse Bursitis and Joint Swelling Welfare

Bursitis in horses causes pain and swelling around joints and tendons, requiring accurate diagnosis to guide appropriate welfare-focused management.

Key Facts

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tendons, bones, and skin
Acute bursitis causes sudden painful swelling; chronic bursitis develops slowly and may be less painful
Common sites include the poll (poll evil), withers (fistulous withers), elbow (capped elbow), and hock (capped hock)
Brucella abortus infection is a historical cause of poll evil and fistulous withers - now rare in brucellosis-free countries
Treatment depends on cause: rest, cold hosing, NSAIDs for acute; aspiration and steroid injection for chronic
Capped elbows and hocks from inadequate bedding are preventable through appropriate stable management

Welfare Considerations

Bursitis welfare harm varies by location and cause. Capped hocks and elbows from inadequate bedding are preventable welfare failures caused by horses lying on hard surfaces - the trauma of repeated hard contact causes fluid accumulation that may eventually become chronic and fibrous. Providing adequate deep bedding and ensuring horses can rise without slipping prevents these entirely avoidable conditions. Infected bursae (poll evil, fistulous withers) cause significant pain and may discharge chronically, causing ongoing welfare harm. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment reduce welfare harm duration; prevention through adequate bedding and biosecurity against Brucella (now largely achieved) is the most effective welfare strategy.

What You Can Do

Provide deep, appropriate bedding (minimum 15cm of straw or equivalent) to prevent capped hocks and elbows
Seek veterinary assessment for any new swelling around joints or bursae
Cold hose or ice acute swellings immediately to reduce inflammation
Ensure horses can rise and lie comfortably without slipping - rubber matting under bedding helps
Do not drain bursae without veterinary guidance - inappropriate drainage introduces infection
Investigate flooring and bedding depth for horses developing recurrent bursitis