AGING, DISEASES OF

Background: Any system may be affected.
Symptoms: Any system may be affected.
Diagnostics: As needed for presenting signs.
Principles for Supplementation: Basic nutritional supplementation and antioxidants.

EQUINE PRODUCTS—DISEASES OF AGING

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
ABC’s Plus1	2 oz bid	Supplies vitamins, minerals, and support for healthy GIT micro-organisms.
Equine Qi Tonic14	4 tsp bid	Regulates the immune system, protects from bacterial and viral diseases, especially upper respiratory infections.
Noni fruit6,15	powder: 3-4 tsp bid fruit leather: 2-4 two-inch square pieces sid	Source antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids.
Enhance Life14	4 tsp bid	Helps the overall metabolism of older horses, improves weight and energy level.
Chia Booster (chia seeds)19	1 scoop bid	Stabilizes membranes, source omega 3 fatty acids.
Flax/Hemp Oil	3 tbsp sid	Anti-inflammatory; stabilizes cellular membranes.
ImmunoVET-EQ12	2 scoops bid	Source of naturally occurring bioactive proteins–IGG and peptides, modulates gut barrier function and inflammatory cytokine production, and improves immunity.
Vitamin C with Flavonoids12	8-16 capsules sid	Supports the immune system.
GlutathioneVET12	6-12 capsules sid	Is a cofactor for dozens of enzymes involved in detoxification, provides hepatic support and improves pulmonary health, immune function, bowel health, carbohydrate metabolism, cardiovascular health, cognitive health, and eye health.
APF-Pro21	6-10 mL sid	Adaptogenic herbs, support the immune system, adrenals, reduces stress, helps horses adapt to stress.
Veteran5	3-4 scoops sid	Herbs to support the older horse's digestion, liver and kidney function, respiration, circulation/heart and mobility.
Barlean’s Greens (or other green food powder from health food store)	2-5 scoops sid	Provides nutrients from fresh greens, especially to horses kept in stalls or on limited grass.

ARTHRITIS/DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE

Background: Decrease in viscosity and loss of lubricative effect of the joint fluid, calcium deposits on the articular ends of bones as well as in the soft tissue of the joint capsule and ligaments.
Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, generally worse upon arising or in cool weather; improves with movement, but in some cases worsens with exercise; bony growths visible.
Diagnostics: Physical examination, radiographs, ultrasound.
Special Notes: It may be necessary to address the origin of the problem as well as supporting the healing process. Causes may include familial predisposition, poor conformation, weakening of the ligaments and tendons, injury to the joint, poor-quality food, autoimmune conditions, allergies and "leaky bowel syndrome." In some horses on long-term supplementation, it may be advisable to change types of products periodically (yearly) to enhance the health of the joints in a variety of ways, especially if the response to one product is only moderate.
Principles for Supplementation: Anti-inflammatory, nourish the joint.

EQUINE PRODUCTS—ARTHRITIS/DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
CurcuVET-EQ12	1 scoop bid	Down-regulates the pro-inflammatory substances, tumor necrosis factor, alpha (TNF-a) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-?B), supports normal joint function.
Limber Up14	4 tsp bid	Arthritis and stiffness, especially that worsens in cold and damp weather.
J-Flex Concentrate7	2000-4000 mg sid	Supports joint function.
Equinyl Combo9	3 scoops sid for 10 days, then 2 scoops sid	Glucosamine, chondroitin (can get with hyaluronic acid also), supports joint function, contains Vitamin C for synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin12	6-10 capsules sid for 4 weeks, reduce to 4-8 capsules sid or as needed	This combination stimulates the production of cartilage cells while inhibiting destructive enzymatic action on those cells.
Hilton Multi-Flex2	10-40 mL sid, depends on size of horse	Anti-inflammatory.
HylaMotion9	½ oz sid	Hyaluronic acid reduces inflammation in joints, lubricates.
Noni IcyHeat15	Topical application to sore joints, as needed	Improves circulation, relieves pain. Use caution on front legs to prevent horse getting into eyes. Warming formula contains camphor. Can test positive.
Flax/Hemp Oil	3 tbsp sid	Anti-inflammatory; stabilizes membranes.
Chia Booster (chia seeds)19	1 scoop bid	Stabilizes membranes, source Omega 3 fatty acids.
Soreness Salve5	Topical application to sore joints, as needed	Improves circulation, relieves pain.