How to Identify and Manage Pain in Your Horse
Being able to spot when your horse is in pain is a vital part of being a good horse owner.
Recognising and managing pain in horses is crucial for maintaining their health, wellbeing, and performance. Unlike humans, obviously horses cannot verbally express pain, and they often mask it due to their natural instincts as prey animals. This makes it essential for horse owners to be vigilant and proactive in detecting pain early. By understanding the signs of pain and implementing effective management strategies, you can ensure your horse remains comfortable and healthy.
1. Understanding Pain in Horses
Pain in horses can significantly impact their quality of life and overall health. It is important to distinguish between **acute pain**, which is sudden and often due to injury or illness, and **chronic pain**, which is longer-lasting and may result from conditions such as arthritis or degenerative diseases. Common causes of pain in horses include:
· Injury such as tendon, ligament, muscle or bone trauma.
· Lameness resulting from hoof problems, tendon injuries, or musculoskeletal issues
· Dental Issues such as tooth fractures, periodontal disease, or abnormal wear
· Colic – a range of gastrointestinal and abdominal disturbances causing pain.
· Arthritis is joint inflammation and degeneration, particularly in older horses.
By understanding these causes, horse owners can better anticipate potential pain and take steps to mitigate it.
2. Signs and Symptoms of Pain in Horses
Identifying pain in horses requires careful observation of both behavioural and physical changes. Horses may show subtle signs of discomfort that, if detected early, can prevent further complications.
We find that generally horse owners know their horses very well and often recognise when there is a problem, even if it is difficult to localise what the problem is or where it is coming from.
Because horses have evolved as prey species, they are very good at hiding outward signs of pain, particularly for conditions such as dental pain; this is why routine preventative care such as a dental check from an equine vet like us or a BAEDT registered equine dental technician are important to check and prevent certain causes of pain. Some horses hide pain better than others: heavier types and donkeys tend to be particularly stoic. Key signs of pain to watch for include:
Behavioural signs of horse pain:
– Changes in temperament (increased aggression, anxiety, reduced tolerance, more spooky than normal, withdrawal, increased sensitivity, etc)
– Reluctance to move or engage in normal activities, including difficulty going downhill or dislike of tacking up.
– Reduced appetite or difficulty chewing or biting.
– Grinding teeth or lip curling.
– Flinching or reacting to being touched in certain areas
Physical signs of a horse being in pain:
– Lameness or uneven gait
– Swelling, heat, or tenderness in specific areas (joints, tendons, muscles)
– Changes in posture, such as standing with a hunched back or shifting weight frequently
– Reluctance to be saddled, mounted, or handled
Physiological signs that could mean your horse is in pain:
– Elevated heart rate and respiration
– Excessive sweating or trembling without physical exertion
– Restlessness, frequent lying down, or getting up repeatedly
– Changes in facial expressions (e.g., flared nostrils, pinched eyes, tense jaw)
Recognising these signs early can help you take prompt action to manage your horse’s pain effectively.
3. Diagnostic Approaches to Identifying Pain in Your Horse
Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the cause of pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Sometimes, symptoms are vague and non-specific, making precise diagnosis very challenging. Here are some common diagnostic methods used by vets:
Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination by a vet can identify the source of pain. This includes palpation of muscles and joints, flexion tests to assess joint pain and a full lameness assessment. Even if a pain source is found, we will usually need to investigate then if that pain source is the cause of the symptoms described, as sometimes other areas of pain can occur secondarily or horses can have more than one source of pain.
Diagnostic Tools
At South Moor Equine we use imaging techniques such as X-rays and ultrasound. In some cases we will refer horses to hospital for advanced imaging such as MRI and scintigraphy (bone scan) to help pinpoint the exact location and cause of pain, such as fractures, tendon injuries, or joint abnormalities.
Nerve blocks (diagnostic analgesia) may be used to localise the source of lameness or pain in the limbs.
Monitoring Tools
– Pain scales and assessment tools allow for more consistent monitoring of pain levels over time. For example, grading a lameness out of 5 or 10 can help to create a more objective measurement of how bad it is each time it is assessed.
– Video analysis and gait analysis software can provide objective data on gait abnormalities and subtle changes in movement that may indicate pain.
-We usually recommend repeat evaluation by one of our team of experienced equine vets during your horse’s diagnostic and treatment pathway to monitor how they are progressing and give us a baseline for if things start to deteriorate again. Where possible, we try to maintain continuity of veterinary surgeon for a case, but if we can’t, cases are discussed between our vets as they are handed over and clinical notes are made after each visit so our whole team can see what is going on. These clinical notes are available to our vets via an app on their phones at all times (as long as there is phone signal!).
4. Pain Management Strategies for your horse
Effective pain management in horses involves a combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches tailored to the individual horse’s needs.
Medications
· Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like phenylbutazone (bute) or flunixin are commonly used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
· Corticosteroids are widely used for various causes of pain in horses, but most frequently directly into joints. Steroids can be injected directly into joints or other spaces for targeted relief of inflammation and therefore reduce pain.
· There are various other medications used to manage disease and reduce pain as well, some of which are not licensed for use in horses. The vet will always inform you of any licensing details and the risks involved with any medical treatment.
· It is important to follow veterinary guidance on dosages and duration to avoid potential side effects.
Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches to Equine Pain Management
Physiotherapy and massage therapy can help relieve pain and enhance recovery from injuries. On the whole, we see horses respond extremely well to these treatments and often enjoy them. We are very happy to work with equine physios to help our patients’ recoveries.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments can help manage pain, especially in cases of chronic conditions. Cold therapy (icing) can reduce inflammation and swelling after an injury. The use of water for physical rehabilitation can reduce joint stress while maintaining muscle strength and flexibility so hydrotherapy is worth considering; but facilities for this in horses are very limited.
Lameness is one of the most common causes of pain in horses and lameness relating to the foot is the most common region to localise lameness to. A good farrier, working in conjunction with the vet can have huge benefits for improving comfort levels.
Environmental and Lifestyle Modifications
– Keeping workload and exercise routine consistent and regular, whilst considering their age/condition can prevent further injury and manage pain levels.
– Providing appropriate bedding and turnout options can reduce discomfort, especially for horses with joint issues.
– Modifying diet and nutrition, including supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or glucosamine, can support joint health and reduce inflammation. There are loads of supplements on the market which may or may not contain what they say on the label. The quality of the ingredients and not just the quantity is important. The cheapest supplement is probably the poorest value!
For further advice relating to supplements please speak to our vets. Diet in relation to weight management is important for a lot of the horses we see: if you are unsure about your horse’s weight, please get one of our vets to have a look and discuss it with you.
By combining these strategies, you can create a comprehensive pain management plan that improves your horse’s comfort and quality of life.
5. Preventing pain in your horse
Prevention is always better than cure. Implementing proactive measures can help reduce the risk of pain-related issues:
· Regular veterinary check-ups and health screenings to catch potential issues early. Your vet will also be an experienced pair of eyes to spot any problems before they cause your horse any more distress. If you feel there is something not quite right…get it checked!
· A comprehensive health management plan that includes routine dental care, hoof care, parasite management and proper conditioning.
· Early intervention strategies, such as adjusting feeding practices and exercise routines, can prevent common pain-related conditions like colic or laminitis.
By taking these preventative steps, you can help maintain your horse’s health and prevent pain-related problems before they start.
6. You are never wrong to call the vet if you suspect your horse is in pain.
You’re never wrong to contact the vet. We are always happy to chat on the phone about any concerns you have. Some people are worried about wasting our time, but we are never upset if we turn up and horse is basically ok: it’s a good opportunity to get a baseline on the horse for the future and provide reassurance for you. Contact your vet if you notice:
· Immediately if severe lameness or an inability to bear weight on a limb.
· Any degree of lameness in order to make a plan about management and if/when the horse needs to be seen.
· Symptoms of colic, such as rolling, pawing, or repeated lying down.
· Signs of a fracture or severe injury.
· Persistent pain that does not improve with basic management strategies.
· Sudden changes in behaviour, appetite, or physical condition.
One of our equine vets will assess the situation, provide a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options, ensuring your horse receives the best care possible. Acting early is vital when it comes to a horse in pain or distress.
Being an aware and informed owner is key to your horse’s health
Identifying and managing pain in your horse is essential for their wellbeing and longevity. By staying vigilant for signs of pain, using appropriate diagnostic tools, and implementing effective management strategies, you can help your horse live a comfortable and healthy life. Regular communication with your vet is key to developing and maintaining an effective pain management plan.
Call South Moor Equine Vets today
If you have concerns about your horse’s pain or want to discuss a pain management plan, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to provide the best care for your equine companions.
