Creaky Joints

Question
My 10 yr old OTTB mare has creaky joints, I only notice it at the walk but it doesn't happen all the time, but more often then not. It isn't affected by work or weather. She is plenty sound and doesn't seem to have any issues w/ her joints.

She doesn't seem bothered by it at all, I've put her on joint supplements and she was still creaky. Also we've done both 24/7 turnout and 12/12 turnout with out a change. She still runs around silly with her pasture mates and works under-saddle fine.

Do you think this is something genetic or brought on by her race career? Should I be worried about it?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read/respond.

Peace,
Corey

Answer
Corey:

I do not believe this finding has anything to do with genetics.It could be assiciated with her race career. the sounds you are hearing may be the joints or could also be the supportive structures of the joints- the capsule and ligaments and tendons that "pop" with certain motions. this is all probably very normal for her and would suggest that if you are going to ride her, she should be "warmed up" in order to get the blood flow to the joints and supportive structures going- the result of this blood flow increase would be to "loosen up" the joint and the tendons and ligaments. Probably, if she takes off running in the field, she does so without gradually warming up and loosening these structures. Also, there can be popping in the joints as there are in people with certain motions of the joint too- it is actually gas in the joint that accumulates in one site and pops like a bubble only then to be diffused again throughout the joint. It is perfectly normal too. These sounds DO NOT necessarily indicate arthritis or any other problem, but rather may be more likely to indicate that the structures are not used or exercised with regularity. It is not necessary to do have to because there is likely nothing wrong. However, if she becomes lame or begins to favor a leg, then it should be investigated. The whole thing is probably not unexpected in horses (as in people) as they age and loose some of their natural flexibility. 10 years old is not old, but the process may be faster if the horse had a race career. Warming up before any exercise becomes more important for people and for horses as they age for this very reason. But I do not think this is anything you need to worry about unless you see it in association with a lameness problem. I hope this helps some for you. feel free to contact me again if you have any other questions. My best to you and your horse and good luck.