Companion Animals

Companion Horse Senior Welfare and Pain Management

Welfare needs and pain management approaches for senior horses approaching the end of their productive lives.

Key Facts

Horses over 20 years old face increased risk of Cushing's disease, arthritis, and dental problems
Equine Cushing's disease (PPID) is highly manageable with modern medication
Dental care is critical for senior horses to maintain body condition
Pain scoring using the Horse Grimace Scale enables objective assessment
End-of-life decisions for horses are complex and require veterinary guidance

Welfare Considerations

Senior horses deserve the same standard of pain assessment and management as younger animals, with proactive monitoring for age-related conditions.

What You Can Do

Schedule bi-annual veterinary and dental checks for horses over 15
Learn to use the Horse Grimace Scale to monitor for pain
Plan financially for senior horse care including potential medication costs