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Understanding Joint Therapy
Does anyone remember talking about joint therapy 15 years ago? I recall the time
when most horse lameness was diagnosed as navicular syndrome. Does this mean
joint therapy is another fad? The answer to this question lies in the realm of
science. Although joint issues were present 15 years ago, we didn’t have the
technology to treat joint diseases and injuries. Today the market is flooded
with a wealth of products and information on how to make creaky joints healthy
again.
By natures’ design, the demands on a horse’s leg joints are extensive. Factors
such a stress,
overwork, and age cause wear and tear that can wear away the joint.
The result can be stiffness in the older horse, lameness in the
performance horse, or altogether immobilization in the worse case scenario.
So what makes a joint go bad? It could be
simple old age, a trauma to the joint such as a kick or a laceration, or a tweak
to the joint from a performance event. In all cases, the joint responds with
inflammation that produces swelling, heat, lameness and reduced flexibility.
What you cannot see happening in the joint is the release of the
destructive enzymes that eat away the Hyaluronic acid. The lubricating and
cushioning attributes of synovial fluid come from a component called
hyaluronic acid. Because most joint therapy targets the health of the
joint fluid, the key to grasping this whole concept is to understand the role of
hyaluronic acid. There are four facts to remember: 1) The “snot-like” properties
of hyaluronic acid (viscosity and
elasticity) are due to its high molecular weight (it has big, cushy molecules).
2) Hyaluronic acid provides lubrication and shock absorption qualities to the
joint. 3) Hyaluronic acid is a protective
barrier against destructive enzymes that are released when the joint is
inflamed. 4) It provides transportation for nutrients to, and waste removal
from, the articular cartilage, as well as a continuous link between all of the
parts of a joint. The most common
treatment for joint issues is to supplement a horse’s diet with a feed additive
that includes some combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM. A
few products also add a fatty acid. By feeding a supplement daily, the hope is
that it is well absorbed and provides a constant availability to the joint.
There are numerous products on the market that claim to be the best for joint
health. When deciding which to use, compare the milligram strength per serving
and the price. The benefits of oral joint supplements are that they are readily
available, easy to feed, and provide a daily dose of nutrients
to a horse’s joints. However, they are more suited for he mildly lame horse, for
maintenance or
prevention of injury, and as a complimentary therapy to other treatment methods.
The next progression of joint therapy is systemic treatments, which
include injections of products such as Legend, Map 5, or Adequan i.m. The major
drawback to both therapies is that they require a veterinarian’s prescription
and administration if you are not comfortable giving injections. These types of
therapy are effective in treating existing joint issues, as preventative
measures, and as a complimentary therapy.
The pinnacle of joint therapy involves injecting medications directly
into the joint space, which is appropriate for horses that are showing signs of
joint degeneration or trauma. After a thorough lameness exam is performed, your
vet will be able to assess if a joint injection
will benefit your horse. Most veterinarians use a combination of
medications in the joint that include a
hyaluronic acid, a corticosteroid, and an antibiotic.
Injected directly into the joint, the hyaluronic acid immediately
restores the lubricating and cushioning effects of the joint
fluid, slows inflammation, and encourages the joint to produce new hyaluronic
acid (there by
encouraging the joint to heal itself). This is where you choose what is right
for your horse. A high
quality feed supplement is a good start. Careful evaluation of the condition of
your horse’s joints by a veterinarian would be the next step. Ask your
veterinarian about the cost effectiveness of the
treatments they offer, and weigh it carefully against your goals. Remember that
any inflammation
in a joint should be treated quickly to prevent further damage down the road.
- Wendy Simmons, DVM
Block and Bridle Veterinary Service
32649 WCR 53
http://www.blockandbridlevets.com/