Epiphysitis in horses is an inflammation of the growth plates in young horses, often due to rapid growth or nutritional imbalances.

Epiphysitis

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Epiphysitis, also known as physitis, is a generalized bone disease of young, growing horses that is characterized by the enlargement of the growth plates in long bones such as the tibia, radius, and cannon bones.

Symptoms

  • Stiff legs
  • Swelling in all four legs
  • Swelling in one leg
  • Recumbency
  • Stiff posture
  • Lameness

Common in

  • Foals
  • Yearling

Treatment

The sooner this condition is identified the easier it is to correct it. Severe conditions may need surgery to correct the defects and strengthen your horse’s lower limbs. Diet is the most effective method of treatment, and generally decreasing the overall diet to lose weight and slow down growth is advised. A diet restricting grains and sweet foods should be maintained to help your young horse lose weight. Your veterinarian will prescribe a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications that will give your horse relief from pain and it can help reduce the inflammation of joints. Your young foal should be restricted from intense exercise and kept in a confined space with soft flooring to protect the joint and allow healing.

Prevention

Proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet recommended by your veterinarian can help prevent epiphysitis in your young foals.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Happie Horse App digitale Gesundheitsakte

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare. With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments. The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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