Extension Logo
Extension Logo
University of Minnesota Extension
extension.umn.edu

Joint infections in horses

Quick facts

  • Joint infections can be life-threatening to horses and should be caught and aggressively treated early for the best outcome.

  • Treat any signs of infected or contaminated joints as an emergency.

  • Check wounds over joints right away to make sure the joint isn’t involved.

Joint infection (septic arthritis) can harm the soundness, athletic career and even life if horses receive poor or delayed treatment.

How do horses get joint infections?

 | 

Infection signs and what to do

 | 

Author: Rolf Modesto, DVM, formerly with the University of Minnesota

Reviewed in 2021

Page survey

© 2024 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.