MUSCULOSKELETAL

ARTHRITIS, GENERAL

Background: Horses are susceptible to arthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis does not exist in horses. Arthritis, technically, is any condition that leads to an alteration of viscosity and loss of lubricative effect of the joint fluid. The result of this can be an increase in heat and friction within the joint capsule. After a joint becomes arthritic and the inflammation has become chronic, the body attempts to ameliorate the situation by laying down calcium deposits on the ends of the bones that form the articulation as well as the soft tissue of the joint capsule.
Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion leading to calcified deposits in some of the joints.
Diagnostics: Lameness exam, palpation. Mineral deposits are also readily visible radiographically or with ultrasound evaluation.
Special Notes: Decreased liver function and "leaky bowel" syndrome can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis in sensitive individuals.
Principles for Supplementation: Improve the health of the joint fluid and reduce inflammation and pain.

EQUINE PRODUCTS—GENERAL ARTHRITIS

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Limber Up14	4 tsp bid	Arthritis and stiffness, especially that worsens in cold and damp weather.
J-Flex Concentrate7	2-4 grams sid, with loading dose of 8 grams for 1 week	Chondroitin, improves joint function.
Equinyl Combo9	3 scoops sid for 10 days, then 2 scoops sid	Chondroitin-based GAG supplement with Vitamin C, for synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen.
Hylamotion9	½ oz sid	Hyaluronic acid in oral form.
Recovery EQ20	2 scoops loading dose, 1 scoop maintenance	Provides bioflavonoids and glucosamine for improving joint function.
Recovery EQ Extra Strength20	2 scoops loading dose, 1 scoop maintenance	Provides hyaluronic acid, bioflavonoids and glucosamine for improving joint function.
Releaf Gold2	25-30 cc sid	Strong herbal anti-inflammatory.
Hilton Multi-flex Gold2	10-40 cc sid depending on size of horse	Anti-inflammatory, maintains mobility of joints, improves joint function.
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.
Glycoflex9	3 scoops bid 4-6 weeks, then 1 scoop bid	Supplies Perna Canaliculus to support joint health which some horses respond to better than other compounds.
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.
Soreness Salve5	Topical application to sore joints	Improves circulation, relieves pain.