Whether it's the hocks, cervical spine or hoof joints, every horse owner has probably heard the term arthritis when it comes to joints. But what exactly is arthritis? And how can we support our horses with this problem?
The term osteoarthritis describes the progressive wear and tear of the joints associated with cartilage wear and loss. [1] Age-related joint wear is known in older horses. However, injuries or incorrect loading can also lead to arthritic changes in the joints in younger horses. Loading that is too early or too intensive can also promote the development of osteoarthritis.
Signs of arthrosis include the typical need to “break in”, lameness or a stiff gait. The problem often improves with movement.
Regular exercise is essential for horses to prevent arthritis. This includes not only regular work such as riding or lunging, but above all free exercise on the pasture or paddock. The consistent exercise ensures that the musculoskeletal system stays in shape. Too few opportunities for exercise are more likely to harm the horse, although some horse owners limit exercise for fear of injury.
Last but not least, the feed ration should be kept in mind for horses with arthritis. If the horse is overweight, weight loss should be sought, as excessive body weight only unnecessarily overloads the musculoskeletal system. Of course, the mineral supply should also be considered. [2] In addition, certain feed supplements are a good addition to support the horses. So-called "chondroprotectives" are cartilage-protecting substances that are intended to prevent further loss of cartilage substance and at the same time support the regeneration of the cartilage. 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 to feed curcumin. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric (turmeric root), has been proven to have a positive effect on inflammation and mobility in cases of tendonitis. [4] Our new product Gangwunder uses the effect of turmeric to relieve the musculoskeletal system in cases of joint problems. Gangwunder is already available to end customers in our online shop.
If you want a little more, Ability is the right choice. In addition to curcumin, Ability contains hyaluronate, which also helps maintain synovial fluid and can therefore support the musculoskeletal system. The special feature is the special encapsulation of curcumin in Ability, which makes bioavailability and adsorption into the blood 85 times more efficient. [5] In addition to the microencapsulated curcumin, BozMerix also makes use of the effect of ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiable). Studies have shown that treatment with ASU extracts has a disease-modifying effect on inflammatory joint arthrosis. [6] Indian frankincense (Boswellia Serrata) and omega-3 fatty acids round off the recipe and promote natural anti-inflammatory processes.
Duraflex-HA also contributes to the supply of the cartilage matrix thanks to its special ingredients glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin sulfate and can be used as a support for joint problems. If you would also like to use devil's claw and other herbal extracts such as rose hip, yucca and capsicum, Flex Alpha is the best option.
Ability , BozMerix , Duraflex-HA and Flex Alpha are products from our Vetline and are therefore only 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/ar arthrosis-of-the-knee-joint/definition-knee-arthrosis#:~:text=The%20term%20arthrosis%20denotes%20the lying%20bone%20is%20increasingly%20stressed.
[2] Meyer and Coenen (2014) Horse Feeding, 6th edition, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart
[3] http://www.gesundheits-lexikon.com/Knochen-Joints-Sehnen-Muskeln-Connective tissue/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, CE 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
