Arthritis help pls...

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Honeypots

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A friend has been given a 26yr old pony for the summer for her daughter. We took her in the school yesterday and my daughter rode her. Her stride was very choppy for a good 10 minutes until she warmed up and then she seemed much better. She also stumpbled a couple of times..nothing major, more of a trip I suppose but it was because she was going around hardly bending her joints!
She has been in for a couple of days since arriving ue to being wormed etc and has had a short turnout in the school but thats all.
So...I'm assuming that is why she's feeling stiff and that due to her age it may be a touch of athritis..

From what I can gather, she was out all day and in at night with her old owners and that where she is now she may soon be able to go out at night and in in the day which may well help her anyway..but

Is there anything useful to put in her feed to make her feel more comfortable or that will do her some good anyway?

She's bright and alert and looks content so am sure she's not in agony btw..just stiff (know the feeling)
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Thanks
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Sounds very similar to Chloe - she's been struggling the last couple of months due to being in all the time, and is stiff in her hocks when she first comes out of the stable.
We've just been giving her codlivine supple joint supplement, which is cod liver oil and evening primose oil, and I've noticed a real difference in her mobility since she went on it.
We tried cortaflex last year, and to be honest this is just as good for Chloe, and a lot cheaper.
 
My 22 yo is undergoing treatment atm for arthritis, (it's not looking good tho) and the vet has recommended keeping her out 24/7 as this will help keep the joints mobile. One of the tests for diagnosis was overnight box rest as she always lives out, and in the morning she was stiff as a board. Just a thought...
 
Thanks..

Yes, I think as soon as they can get her out the better tbh. I spoke to her today and they're working on getting her out after the weekend..
 
Newmarket joint supplement works really well.Its a really pure form of glucosomine and recommended by vets.
 
There are a couple of things you can try.
One is the supplement with green lipped mussels called perma something (sorry wish I could remember but we use the gel on us for stiffness and it's fanastic stuff)
the other our stallion freed up wonderfully on Science with nature's Multiplex HA.
it lasts ages, is cheaper than the Cortaflex and works better on him than anything else.
Their site is www.swnh.co.uk
 
As others have said, turnout as much as possible, keep her warm and dry. When riding warm up slowly and gently. Avoid fast work on hard ground.

I have also found feeding MSM and instant linseed to be beneficial.
 
friends aged pony is on Devils claw for hers and has started running around like a foal lol don't think it works with such dramatic results for that many but is probably the cheapest thing, however it kills the pain and does nothing for the arthritis itself so ??
 
ive got mine on cider vinegar and equine americas glucosamine and msm, ginger is also good for this, and i have used devils claw during bad spells. Its also helpful to keep their legs warm, as the cold really aggravates arthritis.
 
My girlie has arthritis...I have her on Newmarket Joint Supplement...some people think bit pricey but it lasts for ages and is brilliant. She is also on cider vinegar.
You could put leg wraps on pony at night in stable or daytime in stable...they will help and especially if pony gets wet as this can affect the arthritis and make it more uncomfortable.
Gentle working in until the pony limbers up would be beneficial...no sharp turning or lots/heavy work on hard ground.
 
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