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The 2005 Surpass Equine Arthritis Survey indicates that one in two
horse owners in the United States has a horse affected with lameness,
and that two-thirds of those owners identify joint pain rather than
hoof pain as the cause of the problem. Obviously, joint health has
become a major area of concern for horse owners, and it's a health
issue that deserves serious attention.
At the same time, there are so many joint supplements, injections, and
medications on the market today that it can be quite difficult to
choose the best product for your horse. That's why in this issue I
list some of the major products on the market for joint health and
joint pain-relief, and discuss the pros and cons of each. I hope this
article will help you more easily choose the right product for your
horse.
Adequan
This is an injectable solution containing PSGAGs (a component of joint
cartilage) that may be a good option if you don't think your horse
will eat oral supplements or may not absorb them. This solution is
good for low-grade chronic joint soreness, and as a way to prevent
joint problems in older horses in heavy work. Adequan should be
considered for any horse who is having difficulty in training with no
obvious cause of pain. The horse could have very low-level joint pain
that could be making it hard for the horse to learn and perform what
he is being asked to do. The normal dosage of Adequan is a course of
5-7 intra-muscular injections, 5 days apart, followed by once-a-month
injections for maintenance.
Antioxidants
These neutralize the free radicals that are produced by heavy
exercise, which can thin the joint fluid. Naturally-occurring
antioxidants include blue-green algae, noni juice, mangosteen juice,
super oxide dismutase (in wheat sprouts), vitamin C (in Citrus C/Q),
vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids (in
chia seeds), and certain minerals such as sulphur. Antioxidants
support the maintenance of healthy joints.
Bute and Banamine
These are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with effects
similar to aspirin. They offer pain relief but can have many side
effects and interfere with healing. These should be reserved for
either acute injuries or as a last resort for chronic pain when all
other supplements have failed.
Chondroitin Sulphate
This is a single component of joint cartilage. The body cannot
effectively use this component by itself, so look for a supplement
that combines glucosamine with chondroitin sulphate, minerals, and
antioxidants.
Devil's Claw
This herb supports the digestive, urinary, and circulatory systems and
has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, and diuretic action.
Devil's claw can be fed in combination with yucca in Ani-Motion, or
individually. Devil's claw is not as irritating to the horse as the
non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, but if the horse has ulcers it can
aggravate them, which might be an indication to feed yucca by itself.
Glucosamine
This is a single component of joint cartilage. The body cannot
effectively use this component by itself, so look for a supplement
that combines glucosamine with chondroitin sulphate, minerals, and
antioxidants. Good choices include Equine Mobility by Standard Process or Cosequin ASU.
Hyaluronic Acid
This is a substance that can be injected directly into the joint,
often combined with steroids if the inflammation. Remember, if you
have the choice, use excellent nutrition and antioxidants before
resorting to joint injections.
Legend
Legend is an intravenous injection composed of hyaluronic acid, which
will thicken the joint fluid and decrease inflammation in the joint.
Legend can be used if your horse is sore after a particularly hard
workout or show. The initial dosage is one injection a week for 3
weeks. If a horse is in heavy work, the maintenance dose is one
injection per month.
MSM
This supplement contains high levels of the antioxidant mineral
sulphur, which is generally more supportive of muscles and connective
tissues than joints. However, sulphur is component of cartilage and
also an antioxidant so it can helpful in preventing joint damage.
Yucca
Yucca is an herb that contains organic steroidal saponins. A saponin
effect allows a cleansing penetration and dispersal digestive enzymes,
and the steroidal effect limits inflammation. The feeding of yucca can
be against some medication rules in performance situations, so if you
are competing be sure check this out. Yucca can be fed in combination
with Devil's claw in Ani-Motion, or individually.
2. Horse Joint Health Resources
Hopefully the article above helped to clarify which products are best
for your horse's joint health needs. But if you are still unclear or
have questions, you might want to check out some of these great horse
joint health resources:
Joint Health Articles (look under Performance Horses)
Horse Health Hotline (no cost to browse, $40 for lifetime membership)
Holistic Horsekeeping Book (health information galore!)
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