Disease Of Horses Affecting Hock Joint: Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

A horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a domesticated, one-toned hoofed mammal which has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years. They are adapted to run, quick escape predators which possess an excellent sense of balance and strong flight-fight response. Horse breeds are divided into 3 categories as Hot blood (with speed and endurance), Cold blood (such as draft horses or ponies which are suitable for slow and heavy work), Warmblood (they are a mixed breed of cold and hot blood breed which are for riding purposes). Usually, the horse has 64 chromosomes, the horse has 205 bones, and the hock contains bone which is equivalent to a human’s ankle and heel. There are usually 3 muscles seen in horses such as the skeletal muscle where there is a contraction which causes the pulling of tendons, the Smooth Muscle which makes the automatic system and the cardiac muscle which is the involuntary muscle which makes the heart pump and carry oxygen to the muscle. Skeletal muscle is made up of various muscle fibres which have bundles which move parallel due to the contraction of actin and myosin. In this article, we are going to discuss the causes, symptoms and ayurvedic aspects in detail further in this article.

INTRODUCTION

The horse Hock is a complex joint which plays an important role in the generation of power of jump and gallop and is more prone to degeneration and injury. The horse hock is made up of 10 bones and 4 joints which are further supported by various ligaments. The largest joint is the tarso crural joint which is the upper part of the hock and has the greatest range of movement. The tarsus can be affected by the tendon displacement from the hock which causes the rupture of muscles. There may be hock lameness where there is the stress placed on the hock joint which further causes inflammation and interrupts normal functions and structure. Swelling of the joint capsule or the enlargement on the inside of the hock is the first sign of this disease. In the tarsal joint, there is a combination of four joints which communicate with each other and older horses get arthritis and osteochondrosis is more likely to get diagnosed. It usually includes Tarsocrural and tibiotarsal joint, Proximal intertarsal joint, Distal intertarsal joint and Tarsometatarsal joint.

MAINLY 3 TYPES ARE SEEN IN HORSES WHICH ARE AFFECTING THE  HOCK JOINT

1. BOG SPAVIN- It is the inflammation of the synovial membrane which shows distention of the joint capsule which is due to some congenital defect or degenerative changes such as trauma, or infections. In this, some amount of fluid is filled in the joint membrane which is removed afterwards. Lameness might be seen or not depending on the cause. There might be low motions which are due to gliding or due wear and tear. This is commonly seen in horses which is due to abnormalities in the cartilage (osteochondrosis). Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is more common in young horses or in foals who are less than a year old. It is maybe due to rapid growth, nutritional issues, hormonal imbalances and genetics.
2. BONE SPAVIN- Bone Spavin is osteoarthritis (bone arthritis) which is a degenerative change of the bones and joints which leads to the gradual loss of cartilage and bones and further causes lameness. The forward movement is shortened and the action of the hock is decreased. Racing and jumping cause soreness in the gluteal muscle which is trochanteric bursitis which results in spacing. It causes restricted movement in joints with pain. It inhibits normal motion and increases inflammation which is commonly seen in senior horses.
3. CURB- It is the thickening or bowing of the tarsal ligament which runs down at the back of the hock. It is mainly due to strain which forms ligaments thickened and inflamed after pulling and slipping. There is an enlargement over 4 inches below the hock point. This condition is commonly seen in Standardbreds. There is no lameness in this type.

CAUSES

1. Hock lameness is due to repeated concussion and shock absorption during the activities such as jumping.
2. Conformational flaws of hind limbs are likely to develop hock issues.
3. It is mainly due to arthritis, injury and inflammation or bone problems.

SYMPTOMS

1. Shortened hind and gait
2. Heat and swelling in the hock area
3. Soreness in the back region
4. Unwilling to engage the hind end in work.
5. Stiffness
6. Shifting of weight

DIAGNOSIS

1. Flexion Test
2. X-Ray
3. Ultrasound
4. MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
5. CT Scan

TREATMENT

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
2. Joint injections
3. Hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids reduce the pain in the joints
4. Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein
5. Platelet-rich plasma- repairs the damage to the cartilage
6. Antibiotic treatment- oral antibiotics which flush the infected joint
7. Cyst aspiration
8. Laser fusion

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

Diseases in horses which mainly affect the hock joint are due to an imbalance of tridoshas, which involves the inflammation of the joint in the body. Joints are the part of the body which is due to contaminated doshas and causes morbid doshas in weak tissues which causes various signs and symptoms. Mainly it is due to an imbalance of Vata doshas which is associated with other doshas, as when Vata doshas get imbalanced it will cause dryness and a reduction in lubrication as it will prevail in the dry environment. Hyperfunctioning of the Vata doshas leads to damage to structure and degeneration of broken bodies. If pitta doshas get aggravated there is inflammation of the joints when Kapha doshas get accumulated there is an increase in morbidity of the joints which causes effusion and swelling. Sometimes it is due to the accumulation of Ama (endotoxins) which causes improper functioning of the cells and causes weak digestion which further manifests joint disorders like an autoimmune disease.

HERBS ARE USEFUL IN DISEASES OF JOINTS IN HORSES

1. ASHWAGANDHA- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a short woody shrub which is used in the healing system. It is helpful in balancing Kapha and Vata doshas. Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants which are helpful in boosting the immune system and in various allergies. Promotes healthy joints as it has anti-inflammatory properties which provide relief in pain and swelling of joints. Strengthens the respiratory system and has anti-cancerous properties which enhance the growth of healthy cells.
2. SHALLAKI- Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) is a famous herb which is useful in the treatment of Osteoarthritis and in all types of muscular pain. Helpful in balancing Pitta and Kapha disorders to treat knee pain and is helpful in improving the mobility of joints and their flexibility. It acts as an NSAID. Promotes external wounds and bruises, reduces the contraction of the bronchial muscle and supports female reproductive health.
3. HARIDRA- Haridra (Curcuma longa) is helpful in balancing the tridoshas of the body. Helpful in worm infestation and helpful in removing the doshas from the head (Shiro virechana). It is used as a blood purifier which is helpful in removing toxins from the body and has anti-inflammatory properties which are used in bone-related disorders. Rejuvenate the skin to heal the skin sores and has antioxidant properties.
4. GUGGUL- Guggul (Commiphora Mukul) is helpful in balancing the digestion and circulatory mechanism. It is helpful in removing the Ama so helpful in controlling rheumatic and arthritic pain which removes the gynaecological problems and various skin disorders. Balances tridoshas of the body and is well-known medicine for Vata disorders. Increases the sexual power so useful in dysmenorrhea and leucorrhea. Enhances the complexion and many skin disorders.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR DISEASES OF JOINT IN HORSES

Planet Ayurveda is an ayurvedic manufacturing company which makes products which are pure and purely from plant extract without any animal products. Planet ayurveda has many branches overseas. It is a GMP-certified, USA-FDA and ISO 9001:2015 certified ayurvedic company which makes its products according to ancient ayurvedic textbooks. These products are free from any chemicals and preservatives. These products are pure without any adulteration and cause no side effects on one’s life. Planet ayurveda formulated many herbal remedies for this disease which will provide benefits.

PRODUCTS LIST

1. YOGRAJ GUGGUL
2. JOINT AID PLUS
3. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
4. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES

 

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul is a Polyherbal tablets formulation made by planet ayurveda using various ingredients such as Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Yavani (Trachyspermum roxburghianum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) and many more. It is helpful in balancing the tridoshas of the body and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Increases the digestion power and is helpful in Vata imbalance disorders.

Dosage– 6 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

2. Joint Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus is a polyherbal capsule which is made by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Sonth (Zingiber officinale) and many more. It is effective in controlling pain and inflammation which is used in sciatica patients. Has anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic properties. Maintains the health of joints and overall health well-being

Dosage– 4 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3.Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a polyherbal capsule which is made by planet ayurveda using Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). It is the most effective remedy for anti-inflammatory and relieves swelling. Maintains a healthy joint and is rich in antioxidants and has neuroprotective properties. Relieves morning stiffness and reduces brain oedema in the brain.</p >

Dosage– 4 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha Capsules is a single herbal capsule by planet ayurveda using a standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Helpful in suppressing pain and has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and pain. Provides nourishment to the brain and improves mental ability. Ashwagandha capsule is a powerful immune booster which removes free radicals and delays anti-ageing.

Dosage– 4 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

A horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a domesticated, one-toned hoofed mammal which has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years. Skeletal muscle is made up of various muscle fibres which have bundles which move parallel due to the contraction of actin and myosin. The horse Hock is a complex joint which plays an important role in the generation of power of jump and gallop and is more prone to degeneration and injury. There may be hock lameness where there is the stress placed on the hock joint which further causes inflammation and interrupts normal functions and structure. Diseases in horses which mainly affect the hock joint are due to an imbalance of tridoshas, Joints are the part of the body which is due to contaminated doshas and cause morbid doshas in weak tissues which causes various signs and symptoms. Further, we discussed many herbal remedies by planet ayurveda which are helpful in this disease.