Best joint supplement?

I have a mare with large knee joints, her knees hurt her. She's 10 Years old and I'm hoping to find a supplement to put her on to make her more comfortable and able to still perfrom. I don't want her soured because she's in pain. I've thought of MSM but I want the best I can find, just figured id ask people who've had some personal experience with different supplements. This has just been a recent problem too.
Posted via Mobile Device

As far as oral supplements (which can only get you so far) I like CortaFlx.

I would suggest starting on a monthly IM injection of Adequan or Legend or something of the like

Do you know what is causing her knee problems?

It is hard to recommend anything with out knowing what the supplement is trying to help.


One thing I will say about joint supplements is, a supplement that works great for one might not work great for yours. Finding the right supplement is very much trial and error.

I would do a monthly or every other month injection of polyglycan IV.

As for oral supplements, Actiflex 4000 with added MSM
Or Matrix 5 HA.

Oral glucosamines and hylarounic acid cannot be absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. You might as well grind up money and put it in her feed.
MSM may help.

Your best bet is to try a round of Adequan (an IM injection every 4 days for 7 times) to improve the cartilage and legend every month or two to keep her joint fluid viscous.

Good luck!

I'm not sure I would completely agree that oral glucosamine cannot be absorbed. I read this summary on a long-term study (published, but I haven't read the actual published version) that combines injections with oral supplements and it made sense to me. It basically suggested that the oral supplements were effective in reducing the need for injections over time. Most studies in the past have been done over a 6-week period and this study was done over an 8-year period with positive results in the first 6-8 months of oral supplement intake. It makes me wonder how effective oral supplements are on their own over longer period of time. Food for thought.

http://www.animavet.com/Glucosamine.pdf

Newhorse, thank you for posting that. Interesting.


I know oral supplement (Cosequin) made a huge difference in my dog for many years.

Interesting point!
Ill have to read it.

Although, if you think about it, what could be more effective than something absorbed directly vs. something that has to be digested?

For instance, when you have a cold, you can either get a shot or have a perscription for pills. Which works quicker? The shot ;)
Both are effective, but anything that has to go through the entire symstem will take longer

Number one, get xrays and/or radiographs. If my horse has a problem, I want to be as sure as possible on the cause before I start pumping anuthing into them.

I agree with Adequan or Legand, along with acti-flex 4000 + MSM if she is arthritic.

As for injection vs oral-yeah, sure injections are absorbed more efficiently, and you can be sure the horse (or whatever) is getting the dose. However-please do not lose sight of the fact that ANY injection is not without risk/long term effect just by virtue of it being an injection. I will always opt for the safest (oral) route for myself or my animals, as long as it works. I prefer to save invasive (injectables) routes for when they are actually necessary. JMO.