athritus, what to feed?! Tis a bit loong..sorry!

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ForeverBroke_

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My ex -loan horse, is 24 ( doing very well! still in full work) but the last few weeks he's been showing a touch of athritus that he's had on his front left. We're not sure what to give him to aid this, he's alway given light gentle hacks with the occasional trot / canter to keep him loose, always well warmed up etc. We're at the moment giving him a mobility lick-it as he has been having a respiratory one for his COPD and it's worked miracles! But still not sure this one is working. So! We're trying to find a supplement, possibly with MSM in it as we've heard good things about this. However, in his feed he's only on fruit, veg and garlic as with any chaff etc he would blow up like a baloon! So, what can we feed him that doesnt have to be added to a chaff? heard of any treats or something going around? Any help much appreciated. Thanks x
 
The thing about arthritis is that it's an almost inevitable effect of growing older. The joints have been used for a whole lifetime and, as in people, taking joint supplements won't do much good now. My veteran is 22/23 and is just beginning to show signs of stiffness, especially if he isn't ridden for a while. If he gets stiff and more arthritic as time goes by I will try to ride him gently but regularly and I would pop a bute a day into his feed just to give him a little relief from the aches and pains. Long term bute isn't a good idea, eg on a 7 yr old, but the way I see it, on a 24 yr old, it can't do any harm and will do a lot of good. Just take extra care gently hacking a ned on bute. Your vet can advise further x
 
We have a shire x who has had arthritis in the hocks for some seven years now. We now give him Bute Free from Gold Label , it contains Devils Claw, MSM and Yucca, all anti inflammatories/pain killers. The difference we saw was remarkable, and i wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
 
my oldie has Top spec senior. This has an added joint suppliment and is formulated to support lung health too. Although it may seem expensive (about £38) per bag it lasts a month for mine and he is a heavyweight 17hh. He has COPD and has improved and kept well having just the balancer and chaff at the moment. It works out much less expensive than buying separate suppliments.
 
Box of frogs, there is a new drug on the market called Danilon which has less side effects than traditional Bute.

I feel that if a 7 year old horse needed medication to keep them comfortable then that is better than the pain.

My horse is 15 and is on 2 danilon a day and it keeps him comfortable. His comfort and quality of life is more important than anything else.

For joint supplements, I would recommend Synequin, its helped my horse and is one of the most potent supplements.

Unfortunately, as somebody already said, arthritis is part of life. My cat has arthritic shoulders and is on metacam, OH has arthritic knees and I have an arthritic shoulder.

It is worth discussing treatment with your vet regarding your horse.

Good luck x
 
I thought Danilon was pretty much bute anyway? I hear it has less impact on the stomach but is converted to bute further down the gut, so it's not really a safe bute replacement. Mine is on "long term" bute until she is pts in autumn but we still have to limit the amount of Danilon she has.
 
hb6 thank you SO much. This forum is brill. I didn't know about Danilon. I think my boy might need some help before too long and it's good to be properly informed to make the right choices for him. Nudibranch, so sorry to hear about your ned and thanks for the info too xxx
 
Box of frogs - great name!

You are very welcome http://www.vmd.gov.uk/espcsite/Documents/132223.DOC

I found the above website very good.

Danilon is the safest on the market, my vet said it is no different from a person taking an Ibuprofen for a headache.

Also as above, I recommend Synequin, its a powerful glucosamine/chondroitin powder which has eased my big lad's joint clicking and stiffness.

BoF - good luck with your boy, I hope he doesnt need any treatment for a long long time.

x
 
Why not go herbal and natural?

I'm feeding Equine America Buteless / Nettle/ Hawthorn flower and leaf/ crushed linseed to my arthritic 17.3hh 19 year old old boy and he's doing ever so well this summer.
 
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