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Arthritis, Injury, Stiffness

Arthritis, Injury, Stiffness

15 May 2018

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- Posted by Simone McConnell

“Arthritis is a progressive and permanent deterioration of cartilage”. 

Wow that sounds bad! Of course there are varying degrees, and ways to manage and help prevent this. 

Why is cartilage important?

Healthy cartilage provides a smooth, slippery surface that allows free, maximum range of, movement. It also contributes to the shock-absorbing properties of the joint.

Does my horse have arthritis?

Arthritis is often missed on visual inspection and not picked up until there is severe damage to the cartilage resulting in lameness. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that affect performance horses – accounting for approximately 60% of all lameness.

 

How do you treat and/or prevent it?

There is no guaranteed way of preventing arthritis completely but there are steps you can take to help keep your horse going well for as long as possible.

Generally speaking there are two courses of action. You can do one or both of these; Firstly prescription medications can benefit some horses and are administered normally through injection from the vet. Secondly you can feed supplements for the prevention and treatment of arthritis or joint deterioration.

Supplements that Support Healthy Joints;


Prescription medications are designed to help reduce inflammation and pain in treated joints.

Oral joint supplements are designed to provide daily support to help prevent deterioration of all joints and manage overall stiffness and/or lameness.

In fact, an eight-year study† demonstrated that the use of an oral glucosamine/chondroitin sulphate supplement resulted in the decreased need for IA hock injections to maintain soundness in a group of performance horses.

 

Take the time to read the below chart. You will begin to understand the importance of correct supplementation for improved performance and comfort for your horse!!

 Ingredient Purpose;

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Nourishes and aids in the regeneration of cartilaginous tissue.

Glucosamine HCL (shellfish source)

Present in the matrix of every living tissue and especially useful in sustaining tissue integrity.

Yucca Schidigera Extract

Studies show reduces pain as well as bute and aspirin!!!!!

Devils Claw Extract

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic

Hydrolysed Collagen

Reduces pain. Resent research shows it might be more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate at reducing pain in arthritic horses.

Chondroitin Sulphate (bovine source)

A significant constituent of cartilaginous tissue abundant in tendons and similar parts of the body. Aids more fluid movement.

Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate)

Potent antioxidant, protects tissues from damage.

Proprietary Fruit Blend of the following powders: Apple, Apricot, Bilberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Elderberry, Peach, Raspberry, Strawberry.

Alkalising. Many grains are acidic when digested leading to inflammation as well as other complications.

Boswellia Extract

Clinic studies show this is helpful in treatment of pain as a result of joint inflammation.

Auradagex™ (Golden Rod Extract)

Also known as woundwart - anti-inflammatory

Quercetin Powder

Predominantly acts to reduce further damage.  Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation damage.

Astragulus Powder

Often referred to as the "natural bute".

Bio Active Whey

Protein - which contains building blocks called peptides, these effectively reduce the influx of white blood cells) into the inflamed site of injury in horses, thus reducing secondary inflammatory response to injury or damaged joints. Therefore support both quick comfort and improved healing.

Cats Claw Bark Powder

Anti-inflammatory

Fever Few Herb Powder

Antispasmodic - reduces muscles spasms often related to joint pain/injury/inflammation.

Grape Seed Extract

Antioxidant - helping reduce futher damage.

Turmeric Root Powder

Perhaps one of the newest and most researched herb for pain reduction. Works great!

White Willow Bark Powder

White Willow contains salicin which converts to salicylic acid in the body. This is one of the original sources of aspirin. So useful for instant pain management.

Cetylated Fatty Acids

A group of naturally occurring fats. May help lubricate joints and increase flexibility.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Re -hydrates tissues and provides necessary lubrication of the joints (our HA is not from animal origin).

Green Lipped Mussel 

Research conducted by Massey University in NZ provides scientific proof that Green Lipped Mussel works in horses to reduce signs of lameness.

Trans-Resveratrol

Scientifically proven to reduce lameness in horses.

Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)

Required for the production of collagen and connective tissues.

Curcumin Extract 95%

The potent part of Turmeric - as above for pain.

Egg Shell Membrane

A bioavailable source for glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.

Phellodendron Bark Extract

Cooling. Reducing heat and related inflammation and pain.

 

These are the ingredients found in Equine 2000 Arthroxigen, Lube All Plus, Mega-Flx and Finish Line Fluid Action.

 

See www.equine2000.co.nz for more information on supplements available for Joint Support and Improved Mobility.

Reference:
†Rodgers MR, Intern J Appl Res VeterinarianMed. 2006;4(2):155-62

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, and is purely educational.

 

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