Cortaflex vs Equiflex (Vet Vits)

ElleSkywalker

ElleSkywalker

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Currently using Cortaflex (as happened to have a tub in feed room) but having looked about the equiflex seems to be a better choice.

It is for my 19 year old TBxWelsh, who has an arthritic hock. Advised by Vet & Phyiso to put her on a glucosamine suppliment :) after 6 weeks on the cortaflex horse is now sound & back out competing, but the cortaflex is running low so if am going to change now is the time :D

*scrabbles around* Kettle Chips & full fat coke for all :D
 
For me, it's cortaflex all the way I'm afraid. It may be more expensive than other brands, but I've tried others & noticed a negative difference,. Not tried the equiflex though.
 
I've been using Equiflex for some years on my older mare, on the advice of my vet when insurance payments for one of the horrendously expensive supplements stopped. I really found it made a difference and could tell within a few days when I ran out once. I now use it on both horses, can't comment on Cortaflex as not used it but Equiflex certainly works out cheaper!
 
Thanks both, *hands out crispies & pop :D* am tempted to stay on cortaflex (better the devil you know and all that) but my Phyiso mentioned that no one in the US uses cortaflex as its not the best out there.

Reading the info on equiflex is does sound better, but would be helpful to hear from anyone who has used both on the same horse? :)
 
I've used both and saw no deterioration when I changed to equiflex. Have recommended it to a lot of my clients and all have had good results, some amazing!! It is also almost indentical in ingredients to the vet prescription only Cosequin. Highly recommend!
 
Is it Cortaflex that contains extracts of mammalian tissue? Years ago I think I used that until I read the ingredients and saw that. Didn't seem quite right to feed my horse that. However, the majority of them do source some part of the ingredients from shellfish (green-lipped mussels I believe). I am currently trying to find a vegetarian one that works but at present have mine on Premier-flex HA from Equine Answers. The reviews of it seem good so thought I'd give it a try. Previously used Feedmarks various supplements. can't say I noticed anything but then I was using them more as a preventative than anything else. However, now my horse (well, and pony) are both showing some signs of stiffness so I will be interested to see if there is any improvement.
 
On the label if the standard cortaflex it says 'This product contains proteins derived from mammalian tissue, the feeding if which to ruminants is prohibited' or words to that effect. No idea what though :(
 
Have you looked at aviform's website, I really rate their gold for older horses and feed the youngsters their basic joint supplement. The man that runs is is always helpful with information.
 
Just had a look wallykissmas, looks good, seems to have more ingredients than equiflex. Only thing that worries me is the HA content as have been told not to feed this to my horse before by a vet (although I believe there is a tiny amount in standard cortaflex). It might be to do with her having had lami in the past. Will call aviform tomorrow & for more info :)
 
I used Equiflex for years, after someone in the know told me it was a good equivalent to Cortaflex. It was preventative in our case though so I can't say how effective it has been. And no, you don't need another loading dose when you witch from one to another so long as they are similar in containing glucosamine/MSM/chondroitin - I asked one company when was thinking of changing
 
TigerTail said:
what about green lipped mussels? Arent they sposed to be really good for joints?
Click to expand...

I believe most other supplements have products derived from shellfish (although not all say). I think, in the main this is from mussels. I did query riaflex on where it was from and she responded advising it's not from the meat of the shellfish. It was after speaking to my cousin (marine biologist) we wondered if it was derived from a mollusc or crustacean. I am thinking mollusc now as this would tie in with other brands. I do wish they would be more transparent on their labels though. There are veggie options out there but I have not tried them yet! I don't like the idea of feeding mammalian derived products to my horse though. I feel shellfish is the lesser of the two evils!
 
I used both, now been on equiflex for years. Very good supplement at sensible price. From same company I also buy green lipped mussels, have been brilliant for my mare as she has tendon injury. She was only ment to reach field sound tops, but now back doing endurance rides, swear its the mussels which I keep her on.

As for it being shellfish, yes it id but I'd be more worried about feeding chondroiten which is derived from bovines (which a lot are).
 
I use Equiflex and their MSM. Have been really happy with it. Big lad used to click sometimes but not since he has been on Vetvits.
 
The three main ingredients in these supplements are sourced as follows.Glucosamine is sourced from shellfish,(prawn shells) chondroitin from bovine or porcine cartilage, usually the oesophagus. MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane) is a naturally occurring sulphur, found in all connective tissue. Check out the labels...Some of the big names have only 4% active ingredients, with alfalfa, roots and tubers and dextrose routinely used to bulk out the product.
 
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