Degenerative joint disease and Bi Syndrome: diagnostic bases and main integrative therapies in equine sports medicine

Chronic pain in horses is generally associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis and laminitis, characterized as chronic degenerative joint diseases. These consequently lead to reduced performance, early retirement and loss of animal welfare. According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (MVTC), joint pain is characterized within the so-called Bi Syndrome, which relates to degenerative joint diseases. It is necessary, therefore, to recognize and evaluate pain aiming at the animals' quality of life and advances in the creation of diagnostic and anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapeutic possibilities in an integrative way. At MVTC, there are integrative techniques with significant potential to promote quality of life for these patients. Such therapies have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, are safe, without side effects, effective and easy to perform with adequate training. The objective of this review is to bring together the main bases for the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in degenerative joint disease in equine sports medicine.