Q My 14-year-old hunter experiences mild lameness before he’s warmed up, and our veterinarian has diagnosed minor arthritis in the left foreleg. He prescribed phenylbutazone (bute) and says that’s all my horse needs to manage his pain for now. What else can I do to keep him in good condition so he’s able to compete?
A Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. Inflammation from injury or use has triggered a destructive cascade of events, breaking down the lubricating synovial fluid, degrading the cartilage and remodeling the bone in and around a joint. But medication and management can slow the progression of