There are a lot of different choices on the market. What works? Liquid? Powder? Pellet?
Key ingredients to look for?
Thank you!
Personally I’ve had the best results with injectables like Adequan, Legend and Pentosan. I’m skeptical of feed throughs. First the horse has to ingest it, digest it then metabolize it before it gets to it’s intended destination. Then some respond great to one thing while it does nothing for others. It really depends on the individual physiology.
There are lots of threads here on joint supplements and the injectables noted above. A quick search will turn up lots of info.
Ditto.
I know some people think injectables are the only way to go, but I can honestly say I’ve seen HUGE results with Actiflex 4000. It comes in both liquid and powder form and packs the most punch for your money. I feed my horse 2 ounces a day, and if I skip it for 2 days, I have clicky ankles, a horse that doesn’t reach nearly as underneath himself, and a sour attitude. Pop the supplement back in his feed, and we’re ready to rock again. YMMV but it’s done enough to convince me it’s liquid gold at a GREAT economical price. If you google Actiflex 4000 comparison, a very awesome girl once did an excel sheet comparing many of the top joint supplements against Actiflex 4000 and it outdid them all, AND came in cheapest.
I had amazing results with Acti Flex 4000. I use it on my mom’s mare who has hip issues and also putting my new rescue on it.
I used Platinum Performance CJ for years for my arthritic appy. When I ran out or missed several days, it was more than noticeable and evident. It is super expensive though.
I have my 21 yr old Connemara on GLC 5500 and he is doing great on it. It was recommended to me by a vet who said it doesn’t cause any stomach upset. He is only on one scoop a day vs. the recommended 2 scoops. I also read in reviews it is pharmaceutical grade and USDA approved.
I’ve had really good results for my 15 year old with a couple of courses of Pentosan and a Previcox everyday for maintenance
The only feed through product with any science behind it is Cosequin.
G.
I thought lubrisyn also had scientific studies to show it effectiveness as well…
Corta-Flx also has studies showing its effectiveness.
Some food for thought:
David Ramey, D.V.M.
21 hrs ·
So, I’m constantly getting (sometimes fairly nasty) messages from folks who know that a treatment works, no matter what anyone else says. And it might, I suppose. But does it really? Some things to think about, based on some recent research in several species.
If You See “Results,” What Else is There to Say? - David W. Ramey, DVM
One of the more interesting things – interesting to me anyway – are discussions of treatment effects on animal owners.
DOCTORRAMEY.COM
I had pretty good results with Lubrisyn but it is so temperature sensitive it was hard to know if it was any good. I only use injectibles now.
I’ve had amazing results with Recovery EQ. A course of Adequan showed now results on this horse, but he was sound after two weeks of Recovery EQ. Now all my old guys get is for maintainence.
[QUOTE=Guilherme;8298537]
The only feed through product with any science behind it is Cosequin.[/QUOTE]
My vet says the same thing so I have been giving Cosequin ASU for as long as its been available and before that plain Cosequin. We never miss a day so I can’t be 100% sure it makes a difference but I do know that my 19-year-old feels just as limber and sound as when he was 4. I also do Adequan monthly and the occasional Legend administration.
My horse has the clicky ankles thing too. Adequan did not take care of that so I tried Smart pak’s Smart Combo Senior pellets and within a month no more clicky. However, that was too expensive long term so I went to just MSM, the results were not as good. I then tried Smart pak’s Smart Flex Senior pellets and within a few weeks back to good results. No clicky ankles and less discomfort picking up feet. His joints move easier and more fluidly. I didn’t think feed throughs would work but I could see fairly quickly when it did work.
[QUOTE=Libby2563;8299661]
My vet says the same thing so I have been giving Cosequin ASU for as long as its been available and before that plain Cosequin. We never miss a day so I can’t be 100% sure it makes a difference but I do know that my 19-year-old feels just as limber and sound as when he was 4. I also do Adequan monthly and the occasional Legend administration.[/QUOTE]
One vet we work with from time to time was a student at Auburn Vet. School when the Cosequin testing was done. He talked about the protocol and how strict it was during the testing. It’s the only feed through product he will endorse. He’s also one of the better equine vets in our area.
G.
I have used Actiflexx 4000 senior for years. And when my 22 yr old gelding goes off it for more than 5 days I notice a difference. I can’t say I have noticed as much difference with injections… Other than direct joint injections. With 5 horses in the barn Actiflexx isn’t cheap but it is by far the most affordable thing we could have them one. And considering we have 3 of the 5 who are over 20 it is much needed. The 10 and 14 yr old are also on it. And they are all happy and healthy. It’s made with and alfalfa meal so they always eat it. My picky 22 yr old gelding will eat it straight in his feed bucket.
[QUOTE=Guilherme;8298537]
The only feed through product with any science behind it is Cosequin.
G.[/QUOTE]
. . . And I never noticed a bit of difference with my aging event horse when the Cosequin was either added or pulled.
First of all, it helps to know if your horse has actual arthritis to BEGIN with. Then you need to know what percentage of the product is actually being absorbed after ingestion, and what percentage is estimated to arrive at the joints in question.
Even with injectables I seldom see a clear difference, and with orals I see NONE. The best bang for your buck is Previcox, hands down. Take it from one who manages a large population of seniors with a lot of wear and tear!
Well, you can’t show on Previcox… at least not FEI level dressage
At shows under USEF rules, previcox cannot be given closer than 12 hours prior to test, and shouldn’t be given for no more that 14 days consecutively.
https://www.usef.org/documents/drugsMeds/2015/drugsmedsguidelines15_web.pdf
page 14 of this doc.
