Wearing and tearing on horse joints in activities like racing, jumping, and heavy work, can result in arthritis or inflammation. Oral joint supplements are often used to support cartilage health, reduce inflammation and improving joint fluid.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate
These two supplements usually work synergistically to help prevent cartilage breakdown and support joint elasticity.
There are three forms of commercial glucosamine: glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulphate and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NADG). Glucosamine hydrochloride is the most stable form and more effective to prevent the degeneration of cartilage. It is usually recommended that 12 grams of glucosamine and 2-6 grams of chondroitin per day in a 600 kg horse.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – MSM is an organic source of sulphur, an element important for the muscle, joints, cartilage, and bones. MSM has antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. It is usually recommended that 12 grams of MSM per day in a 600 kg horse
- Yucca extract – Yucca is an herb commonly used in equine oral joint supplements due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and antispasmodic properties, in particular to alleviate the pain and discomfort which occur because of arthritis, bone and joints problems, and soft tissue swelling. It is usually recommended that 20 grams of yucca extract per day in a 600 kg horse.
- Type II-Collagen (UC-II) – UC-II is one of the major connective tissues which gives the joints resilience and support. Undenatured UC-II is better than the denatured form for horses with arthritis. It was recommended that 100 mg of active UC-II per day in a 600 kg horse.
Activities such as racing, jumping, and heavy labor can lead to joint wear and tear in horses, often causing inflammation or arthritis.
A study compiled by our Redox Animal Nutritionists.