Hock arthritis and long term management

[KatieDM]

I use riaflex as when I compared it to the supplement the vet supplied (synequin?) it had very similar composition. They also sell boswellia, so makes ordering easier!
As above, the benefit of joint supplements is mostly protective, so the earlier the better (bank balance permitting!).

No downsides to starting now, the core ingredients like Glucosamine, Chondroitine, MSM & HA actively protect the joints from future wear & tear and I feed all my horses a high specification joint supplement from day one regardless.

When I spoke to my vet about joint supplements she advised that with an already compromised joint the best thing is a supplement high in Boswellia as this actively targets inflammation whereas the other ingredients are more about protecting the joint going forwards.

Bestflex HA is one of the best, I did a lot of research at one point into them comparing ingredients etc. and it came out in the top 3, with PP Performance Flex Plus being the other one, but this worked out extortionately expensive to feed.

Thanks guys!

 

[Traks]

I’ve used Rowen Barbury Supple Plus for the last year and like it a lot, it has all the key ingredients plus Bosweilla and it’s £32 a kg so very affordable

 

[Boots*McGruber]

Thank you I will ask about this too, she is unshod behind at the moment so I wonder if this is something else to consider? She is on a joint supplement she has been since we got her a few years ago x

Mine has mild bilateral hock arthritis. We have managed it in the following ways:

Annual steroid injections
Weight management
Shod all round with lateral extensions behind for more support
Proper flatwork and plenty of hillwork to ensure he has the muscle to support his joints

He is in full work which suits him mentally and physically. I have to be vigilant and alert to early warning signs that he might be struggling. I’m also aware that I will have to adjust his workload in future if the above stops being as effective.

 

[holeymoley]

Has anyone had success with Equimins Flexijoint supplement? It seems to get good reviews. I think my guy may be due a top up of Arthramid though.

 

[Traks]

Little update… so vet came and she is lame in both hind legs sore over her pelvis too but she thinks is linked to the hock pain etc. Going to give more Arthramid in both hocks and see how we go, I think with the view that we will get back in work hopefully and aim for a lower level or hacking home for her later in the year, either loan or sell if we can find the right home for her. We were already planning on getting a bigger horse for my daughter at the end of the summer so this has sort of cemented that. We are full livery which always makes things more challenging financially