3 mins
Constant pressure, injuries and even disease in joints can not only have disappointing outcomes for performance careers but can also have lasting ramifications on the quality of life of our equine friends. It’s for these reasons that joint supplementation has become a staple across many horses’ rations. Here we look through some things to consider when choosing to include a joint supplement in your horse’s ration.
What Is a Joint?
A joint is defined as the union between two or more bones which in conjunction with muscles and tendons allow the skeleton to move. Many different types of joints are present in the horse’s body, the most affected joint being the Synovial Joint (located in the fetlock, knee and stifle). Synovial joints are predisposed to injury as they are the most active joints in the horse’s body. They consist of two bones covered by articular cartilage that, when properly lubricated, enables frictionless movement of the joint. This lubrication is provided by the Synovial Fluid, as pictured.
Why Should I Supplement?
For a synovial joint to function in a normal, pain-free and efficient manner, maintaining the structure and function of the articular cartilage covering the ends of the bones, is paramount. In normal, healthy joints, this cartilage is regenerated to maintain healthy joint function, during which the outer lining is degraded and replaced with a new healthy lining. However, due to poor blood supply and constant movement of synovial joints, which is more so exaggerated in performance horses, the rate of degradation of the smooth cartilage is far greater than the rate of regeneration. This commonly leads to Osteoarthritis.
The role therefore of a joint supplement is to support the process of regeneration, encouraging the maintenance of healthy cartilage and fluid levels, so that degradation rates are being matched, or even exceeded by regeneration.
What Ingredients Should I Look For?
Scientific research and trials performed across equine, and various mammal species, have repeatedly highlighted numerous ingredients that work collaboratively to assist healthy joint function.
Glucosamine Sulphate: shown to assist in cartilage formation and repair, as well as reducing the formation of inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing joint pain associated with Osteoarthritis
- Chondroitin Sulphate: Inhibits the enzymes associated with cartilage degeneration
- Manganese Chelate: Necessary for the production of synovial fluid (a joint lubricant)
- MSM: A natural anti-inflammatory
- Curcumin: An extract of turmeric, that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory
- Vitamin C: Essential for the health of cartilage and connective tissues.
Although each of these ingredients provides its independent benefits, collaborative efforts have also been noted through literature. Most notably are the combined results documented between Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondroitin Sulphate - showing improvement in quantified lameness, flexion, and stride length. Improved results have been monitored between treatment and placebos, as well as treatments and isolated glucosamine treatments, further evidencing their benefits when in combination.
Prevention Is Better Than a Cure
It’s important to note osteoarthritis is a condition that cannot be cured and the goals in treating the disease are to alleviate discomfort, prevent further degradation of cartilage and restore the affected joints to as near normal function as possible. Implementing preventative measures and feeding a high-grade joint supplement from an early age prior to any signs of compromised joint integrity, is recommended.
Ranvet’s Flexi Joint Plus is a 6-in-1 formulation that contains effective levels of Glucosamine Sulphate, Chondroitin Sulphate, Manganese Chelate, MSM, Curcumin and Vitamin C. Flexi Joint Plus comes in a highly palatable apple flavoured golden pellet. Flexi Joint Plus is provided in the feed at a rate of just one 30g scoop per day, and is available in 1.5kg, 3kg and 7kg sizes to suit all types of horse owners. Flexi Joint Plus is an APVMA registered product and is proudly an Australian Made and Owned formulation.
With our horses living and performing longer, joint health is an important aspect of their everyday well-being. Prevention is better than cure, so it’s recommended to commence joint supplementation from a young age, before your horse may be predisposed to osteoarthritis. At just 30g a day, Ranvet’s Flexi Joint Plus provides a 6-in-1 joint formulation in a highly palatable pellet, that can be added to the daily feed.
At Horseland we offer all the essentials to keep your horse healthy and happy, from wormers and equine first aid supplies, to supplements and pest control. Head into your local Horseland store or browse our range of horse health products online.
