Page 20 - Equine Matters - Spring 2012

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There is now an extensive range of products
available, the vast majority containing the
substances chondroitin sulphate and/or
glucosamine. These chemicals are primary
building blocks used by the body to construct
and repair joint cartilage and other tissues.
Theoretically, the ingestion of these substances
increases the quantity available to the body
for use in normal cartilage repair and after
injury, thereby helping the body maintain a
healthy joint under normal circumstances and
also encourage repair after an injury.
Laboratory studies have certainly shown that
the substances, when taken by mouth, can get
absorbed into the blood stream, but there is
currently limited evidence that proves these
products are then used directly by the body
to repair damaged tissues.
Similarly, laboratory studies have shown
both chondroitin and glucosamine to have
anti-inflammatory properties, possibly of
a similar level of potency to drugs like
ibuprofen. Inflammation and the associated
damage within cartilage and the surrounding
joint is basically a complex chemical reaction,
involving many different substances. Joint
supplements are believed to interfere with
the chemical process, thereby reducing
inflammation. There is some evidence that
this anti-inflammatory effect is seen in
clinically affected cases of joint injury and
degeneration, although the exact mechanism
is relatively poorly understood.
Whilst it seems logical that feeding joint
supplements to unaffected horses would be
beneficial, in an effort to prevent damage
to cartilage during exercise, evidence that
confirms the claim of promoting a ‘healthy
joint environment’ is lacking. Despite this, their
use in young performance and competition
horses is widespread, with anecdotal
evidence supporting the beneficial claims.
The extensive range of variably priced
products, along with widespread conflicting
claims of superior efficacy between products,
leaves many owners confused about which
one to choose. Given that the ingredients can
be acquired from a range of sources, it is
possible that apparently cheap products may
contain inferior quality ingredients, although
the relationship between purity of constituents
and their relative potency needs further
investigation. Generally speaking, reputable
brands should be used to ensure a good
quality product containing the advertised
concentration of supplement.
Despite the concerns about product efficacy,
owners should not be discouraged from
making use of joint supplements as part
of the management and perhaps prevention
of joint injury and degeneration. The
components of joint supplements all have
theoretical roles to play in reducing
inflammation and encouraging repair.
A sensible approach to the use of joint
supplements would be to select a product
that can be afforded long term, as there is
little point in using the supplement for a month
or two. It is also essential that owners discuss
the goals of treatment with their veterinary
surgeon and consider whether other treatment
options can be used instead of, or in
conjunction with, supplements. Owners should
also aim to determine the optimum activity
and exercise intensity for the particular
animal to promote a prolonged and
productive working life.
Unravelling
Joint
Supplements
Veterinary Surgeon
Chris Lehrbach
XLVets Equine Practice
Chapelfield Veterinary
Partnership
Chris Lehrbach BVMS MVM Cert ES (Orth) MRCVS
, Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership
O
ver the past two decades, joint supplements have been increasingly used in an attempt to both treat and
prevent joint injury and degeneration. Initially available to treat human joint problems, the equine market
has grown considerably over recent years.
J O I N T S U P P L E M E N T S
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EQUINE MATTERS