- Health Library - PetMD U Depending on the severity of the
arthritis, your veterinarian may prescribe one of many courses
of management for your horse. As stated above, there is no
treatment for arthritis, only ways to help manage it and prevent
it from progressing too quickly. For example, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are a common management tool. An oral or
injectable joint supplement, such as hyaluronic acid or
glucosamine, may also be prescribed. Direct injection of the
affected joint(s) with corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid may
also help. New technologies, such as the injection of stem cells
into affected joints are also being developed and offered by
some veterinarians. Although you should not ride your horse when
he is lame, keeping your horse moving will actually help an
arthritic horse maintain suppleness and joint mobility. If an
arthritic older horse is placed on strict stall rest he is
likely to become even more stiff and sore than if he were in a
pasture. A horse with arthritis can b