Whether it's hock joints, the cervical spine, or coffin joints. When it comes to joints, the term osteoarthritis has certainly been heard by every horse owner. But what exactly is osteoarthritis? And how can we support our horses with this problem?
The term osteoarthritis describes progressive joint wear, associated with cartilage wear and loss.[1] In older horses, age-related joint wear is known. However, in younger horses, injuries or improper loading can also lead to osteoarthritic changes in the joints. Too early or too intensive loading can also promote the development of osteoarthritis.
Indications of osteoarthritis include the typical "warming up" period, lameness, or a stiff gait. Often, the problem improves with movement.
To prevent osteoarthritis, regular exercise for horses is essential. This not only includes regular work like riding or lunging but, above all, free turnout in the pasture or paddock. Consistent movement ensures that the musculoskeletal system stays active. Too few opportunities for movement harm the horse, a prey animal, even if some horse owners restrict turnout out of fear of injury.
For horses with osteoarthritis, the feed ration should also be kept in mind. If the horse is overweight, weight reduction should be aimed for, as excessive body weight unnecessarily overloads the musculoskeletal system. Of course, the mineral supply should also be considered.[2] Furthermore, certain feed supplements are a good addition to support horses. So-called "chondroprotectives" are cartilage-protecting substances that are intended to prevent further loss of cartilage substance and simultaneously support cartilage regeneration. Inflammation in the joints and the associated destruction of the joint should be reduced or delayed.[3]
One way to support the musculoskeletal system is, for example, feeding curcumin. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, has been shown to have a positive effect on inflammation and mobility in tendonitis.[4] Our new product Gangwunder uses the effect of turmeric to relieve the musculoskeletal system from joint problems. Gangwunder is already available to end customers in our online shop.
If you need a bit more, Ability is the right choice. In addition to curcumin, Ability contains hyaluronate, which also contributes to the maintenance of joint fluid and can thus support the musculoskeletal system. The special feature is the specific encapsulation of curcumin in Ability, which makes the bioavailability and adsorption into the blood 85 times more efficient.[5] BozMerix also utilizes the effect of ASU (Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables) in addition to microencapsulated curcumin. Studies showed that treatment with ASU extracts has a disease-modifying effect in inflammatory joint osteoarthritis.[6] Indian frankincense (Boswellia Serrata) and Omega-3 fatty acids complete the formula and promote natural anti-inflammatory processes.
The Duraflex-HA also contributes to the supply of the cartilage matrix with its special ingredients glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin sulfate, and can be used to support joint problems. Those who also want to use devil's claw and other herbal extracts such as rosehip, yucca, and capsicum are best advised with Flex Alpha.
Ability, BozMerix, Duraflex-HA and Flex Alpha are products from our Vetline and are therefore exclusively available through your veterinarian. If you need a veterinarian from whom you can purchase the products, please feel free to contact us.
If you have any questions, please contact our Marit:
[1] https://www.uniklinikum-dresden.de/de/das-klinikum/kliniken-polikliniken-institute/oupc/fuer-patienten/patienteninformation-uebungsprogramme/Knie/arthrose-des-kniegelenkes/Definition-Kniearthrose#:~:text=Der%20Begriff%20Arthrose%20bezeichnet%20den,liegende%20Knochen%20wird%20vermehrt%20belastet.
[2] Meyer und Coenen (2014) Pferdefütterung, 6. Auflage, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart
[3] http://www.gesundheits-lexikon.com/Knochen-Gelenke-Sehnen-Muskeln-Bindegewebe/Arthrose/Knorpelschuetzende-Mittel-Chondroprotektiva-.html
[4] Eyles-Owen, S. (2018) Dietary turmeric reduces inflammation and improves mood and mobility in horses with fetlock joint inflammation, YS Journal
[5] Purpura et al. / TRM Ireland Co.
[6] Kawcak, C.E. et al. (2007) Evaluation of avocado and soybean unsaponifiable extracts for treatment of horses with experimentally induced osteoarthritis, American Journal of Veterinary Research, Editorial Type: Bone, Joint and Cartilage
