Horses are susceptible to Osteoarthritis of the articular cartilage joints, especially competition horses. OA is caused by chronic repetitive trauma on the joints, with the exception of Septic Arthritis, that results from a systemic infection. Of course, prevention is better than cure.
Here we explore supplements for prevention of OA, and in future weeks, we will explore supplements that help with pain management of conditions like arthritis.

The effectiveness of a supplement depends on the individual horse and of course consistent administration. All the following supplements act as an anti-inflammatory but vary in the tissue they target.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

While Glucosamine helps in the formation of cartilage and keep the joints lubricated for better movement and flexibility, thereby relieving the pain and swelling in the joints, Chondroitin Sulfate maintains the healthy cartilage and supports joint function in horses.

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane

MSM is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound.

To determine if oral MSM supplementation would alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress (measured through markers in the blood), a study by the University of Madrid of twenty actively competing show jumpers concluded that MSM given over 7 days reduced oxidative stress and could play an important protective role of the joints in sport horses.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found in joint cartilage and the lubricating synovial (joint capsule) fluid.

Hyaluronic acid is a major component of synovial fluid. In articular cartilage, hyaluronic acid coats each chondrocyte (cartilage cell), essentially giving it shock-absorbing properties.

Resveratrol

Researchers found that resveratrol prevented cartilage breakdown in laboratory animals with experimentally induced osteoarthritis. One study found horses consuming the supplement for four months were significantly less lame.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) derived from cold-water oily fish such as mackerel or herring.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are the two fatty acids found in fish oil, have known anti-inflammatory properties and increase collagen.

Studies have indicated that the supplement has chondroprotective properties in healthy joints with mild synovitis.

Green Lipped Mussel Extract

The New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a large shellfish that thrives in that country.

Green-lipped mussel extract is another PUFA that’s naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids. Although its exact mode of action is not known, researchers believe the extract has anti-inflammatory properties.

Oral supplementation of marine-based DHA and EPA has been shown to reduce joint inflammation and improve lameness grade, hind-limb flexion responses, and ease of movement. Horses that received a unique, green-lipped mussel extract orally for 56 days had significantly reduced lameness severity, improved joint flexion test responses, and reduced joint pain.

At Herbals for Horses Australia we sell high-quality supplements such as:

To ensure proper mineral supplementation, it is recommended to first consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist who can assess the horse’s individual needs and recommend an appropriate balanced diet or mineral supplementation plan. 

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