Many horses have radiographic changes of arthritis in their joints. These changes are actually far down the timeline of joint disease, and will continue to progress. Once you have the typical signs of joint disease: joint swelling and lameness, the horse’s performance will suffer. Horses are large and powerful athletes, but the training and conditioning they require leads to what is called repetitive use trauma. Inflammatory changes at the cellular and molecular level are the earliest events in joints that will become arthritic. These changes may be present to some degree for years before lameness or stiffness is apparent. Horses that work routinely, especially the athletes who train and compete heavily, suffer from this syndrome, called synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane which lines the inside of the joints.) This membrane is responsible for the synovial joint fluid which lubricates, cushions, and serves as circulation for the cartilage – bringing nutrients in and removing by-products. Taking a proactive approach at this point, before the cartilage and bone become affected, can prolong the working life of the horse.
One of the most important steps is the proper use of joint supplements. There are some very good oral supplements on the market that spread their effects to all the joints in the body. In the field of joint supplements, it is true that “you get what you pay for”. Few have significant research to recommend them. The injectables – Adequan® and Legend® – do an excellent job, when used correctly. These also affect all joints, although it has been proven that they are found at higher levels in the joints that need them most. The purpose of these products is to stimulate the synovial cells to produce more of the protective molecules like hyaluronic acid, and prevent the accumulation of inflammatory mediators. I am a big proponent of these two medications. When used together, they have been shown time and again to keep hard working equine athletes going strong. For specific individual joint therapy, there is nothing better than the powerful direct injection of medications into the joint itself. The decision on which therapy is best for each horse relies on several factors that we discuss with the owner and/or trainer to select the best therapy for that individual.
If you are using your horse for competition, and keeping him conditioned well, you may consider a little extra joint help!
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