I made another thread about a separate product but would like to hear your experiences with MSM for a horse that has arthritis. Not much is expected of him, but I would like to hear some of your experiences. Did you see improvement? How much were you using? Were you using more or less at certain times. Thank you!
the only + effect I ever noted on most horses was sulpher farts
So all these claims i’m reading about the positive effects of MSM are untrue?
My OTTB is much more comfortable on MSM than without. I haven’t noticed any changes with other oral joint supplements. Also, it really improves my horse’s hoof quality.
My horse improved on MSM in a matter of a few weeks.
He was also high as a flippin’ KITE while on it. This is a literal bomb/gun/dog/tractor/road/you name it proof gelding who was crawling out of his own skin and spooking at his own shadow. Pulled the MSM, he was back to his normal self within a few days.
I’ve owned my guy for 13 years and tried several years after the first incident to put him back on it, and had the same results. I even stay away from joint blends with it.
Others on here have had similar experiences. It’s no reason not to try it (cheap enough!), but something to be aware of.
My old geezerpony was definitely more comfortable on MSM, and less comfortable once I ran out. He didn’t have an issue with getting crazy on it - but he wasn’t all that energetic in the first place.
My understanding of oral joint supplements (and supplements generally) is that there is really very limited/no actual evidence to support their efficacy. The very few studies I have ever seen that support significant changes in functioning from the use of oral joint supplements were funded by the companies producing them, which can be pretty suspect. The overall consensus in the research articles I’ve read appears to be that it is unlikely that horses can consume enough of, and appropriately break down/utilize, the molecules that could be potentially effective. Additionally, there is pretty much no oversight of supplements, so manufacturers can say whatever they want about what is in them (regardless of the actual contents). So, even if MSM does work, there is no guarantee that what you are getting is what is on the label. There is, of course, tons of anecdotal evidence that people might argue proves the effectiveness of oral joint supplements, but really the gold standard is (and should be) controlled studies, since there are so many variables at work in every day life that it is truly impossible to know exactly what is causing a change. And of course, correlation does not equal causation! One of my favorite ways to check some of this stuff out is to do a quick search on google scholar. I have a hard time with this kind of stuff, because I have two older horses and would really, really love for there to be a magical joint supplement that makes my boys more comfortable, but I think that ultimately (at least in my opinion) it is just a waste of money, and I’d rather spend that cash on other stuff! I think there is probably very little risk in giving MSM, and science is certainly an ever evolving thing, and it is possible that in time evidence will surface that suggests that this stuff IS helpful, but until that day comes, I feel like I’m doing more to help my dudes by ensuring regular turnout and light work.
MSM is an anti-inflammatory. There have been some studies that show results.
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/10913/msm-helps-sore-muscles
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/13158/msm-and-inflammation
https://equineink.com/2008/11/25/research-shows-efficacy-of-msm-in-horses/
Will it help YOUR horse? Hard to know. Osteoarthritis is probably best treated with 24/7 turnout and a riding regime that encourages correct movement. It’s hard to evaluate lameness and lameness improvement because it’s not consistent – your horse may come out feeling stiff one day and better the next and you can’t be sure that it’s the drug . . .
I’ve fed my OTTB MSM for several years, although my vet recommends cycling off MSM for several months because horses build up a tolerance to it. For THIS horse, he gets a little “hitchy” without the MSM. The side benefit that I’ve gotten from feeding it has been stronger hooves. He had terrible hoof quality when I got him and I tried every hoof supplement under the sun. The finally improved when I’d basically given up and was feeding only MSM.
FWIW, this horse lives out 24/7. He raced 28 times so came to me with some wear and tear on his joints. I’ve owned him for 12 years (he’s 18 now) and is still very active and moves sound.
Megsinyoursocks … So, for the comfort of your horse, why not just give MSM a try? At worst, you lose a few bucks or he might get edgy and high. Where is the harm in trying?
Many conditions worsen and improve and the scientific world has zero explanations as to why. I use Armor essential oil on my tennis elbow, and I remain in shock as to just how swiftly and completely it removes the ache and pain. As in, within 4 minutes. I use flower essence of Echinacea (sp?), and my cold is gone in 24 hours.
One may say it’s hooey, but if it relieves symptoms, what else are we asking for?
[QUOTE=coloured;8613264]
So all these claims i’m reading about the positive effects of MSM are untrue?[/QUOTE]
They are unproven by actual scientific research including placebo and control groups. Osteo Arthritis is a degenerative condition, it can flare up and die down on its own but it’s not going away and cannot be stopped. Some things do lessen inflammation and discomfort, MSM may or may not be one of them, hard to tell if it has an effect or it’s just coincidental like a joint finishes fusing and stops hurting.
That doesn’t mean it might not help some horses and it’s cheap. But I had much better luck with overall management changes (work load, footing, farrier etc.) along with Adequan, LubriSyn and Previcox plus joint injections while I was still competing…and retirement when the need for these things became more frequent.
If you use it, ignore the megadose claims, it is possible to overdose them on supplements according to my vets who are now advising some clients to cut back on dose and number of them being fed daily.
Ultimately I don’t find anecdotal evidence very compelling, and for two horses, it would cost about $500/year to do that–money I would rather put towards things that I know for sure increase their quality of life rather than something that, in all likelihood, will not. Like I said, the risk of toxicity is very low with MSM, so I definitely get the appeal, because we’re all just trying to take care of our animals responsibly and carefully. Just not the route I believe is most helpful!
[QUOTE=Megsinyoursocks;8614509]
for two horses, it would cost about $500/year to do that[/QUOTE]
How much MSM are you feeding?! I pay about $15 on average for a three-month supply for one horse at 10 000 mg/day.
As I said, I don’t feed it. Estimate based on smartpak, which is $15 per 28 day supply, plus shipping. And really, my point was just that I feel that money (whatever it is) is better spent on other things (whether it is $120 or $500).
[QUOTE=Megsinyoursocks;8614730]
As I said, I don’t feed it. Estimate based on smartpak, which is $15 per 28 day supply, plus shipping. And really, my point was just that I feel that money (whatever it is) is better spent on other things (whether it is $120 or $500).[/QUOTE]
The OP asked whether people saw positive results from feeding MSM. Many of us feel that it has helped our horses for a small investment. Much lower than most “joint supplements” and with the added benefit (for me) of improving hoof quality.
I agree that turnout and work (movement) is the best way to keep your horse moving comfortably but not everyone can keep their horses in locations with plenty of turnout.
for the low cost of feeding MSM, i feel it has helped my mare with arthritis. while she gets a monthly dose of adequan, her joints continue to “crack” if she isn’t getting msm in her daily feed. with it, the cracking goes away. i can’t say that i’ve noticed any “spookiness” or excess energy that some have commented on. each horse is different and i found that spending the $ to try the MSM was worth it. good luck!
There is no way my MSM costs anything like $15 a month!
Actually I just did the math. I get the 20 lb bucket from Uckele, a 908 day supply for $90. ten cents a day. $3 a month per horse. I have several horses on it so I don’t keep the bucket for years of course. That’s one cup of Dunkin Donuts. Not even a fancy Starbucks drink.
If you want to try it there are truly inexpensive versions available.
I had MSM in my SP when I was showing and it was not $15 a month plus shipping, it was about 25 cents a day IIRC and the barn combined client orders for free shipping. Worth the convenience in a boarding situation.
For that I’ll add it, can’t hurt, might help. I wouldn’t use it if it was 15 a month plus shipping either, buy it local for a whole lot less as fordtractor does.
Works great for my horse. I heard about it from DJH out here a long time ago. She used it on her mare and had great success–better than bute. I tried it and it really worked for my horse. It also works pretty well for me as a natural anti-inflammatory. And I’m a tougher judge than my horse. I am really picky. Works well, but I still reach for NSAIDs when necessary. But for some injuries (with less blood flow in the area) it seems to work better for me. That also be why it sometimes works for some and not for others.
