Joint supplement for 13yr old with clicky hock!

B

bexwarren24

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 November 2009
Messages
458
Visit site
Ok guys so I know this joint supplement post has been done to death but I cant find a thread that is relative to my horse. He is coming up to 14yrs old and even though isnt suffering with joint problems at the mo I want to start feeding a supplement to help prevent any future problems. He has also got a clicky hock, always has done. He passed his vetting with it and in the 3yrs of ownership has never suffered with any problems relating to it. I am just aware that there is something not quite right there that may cause future problems.

So basically I am looking for a joint supplement, that is reasonably priced but good for a) general prevention of joint problems and b) Clicky hocks.
 
There has been a lot of evidence recently to say that glucosamine based supplements are proven not to work in humans, and Dr's have been told to no longer recommend them (BMJ study). Whether this also relates to animals is another issue......
I have an older cob with a 'clicky' stifle and have found the best thing is as much turnout as possible, and now give him cider vinegar instead of cortaflex, which is recommded for joints and overall condition. He has been fine over the summer but as is still out 24/7, will see if it still helps once he starts being stabled at night. It works out a lot cheaper too!
 
Last edited:
Sidney said:
There has been a lot of evidence recently to say that glucosamine based supplements are proven not to work in humans, and Dr's have been told to no longer recommend them (BMJ study). Whether this also relates to animals is another issue......
I have an older cob with a 'clicky' stifle and have found the best thing is as much turnout as possible, and now give him cider vinegar instead of cortaflex, which is recommded for joints and overall condition. He has been fine over the summer but as is still out 24/7, will see if it still helps once he starts being stabled at night. It works out a lot cheaper too!
Click to expand...

Oh wow, havent heard that about glucosamine. I thought that was one of the best things to buy. I like the recommendation of cider vinger, cheap, lol :) I guess its been a favourite for yrs for a reason. My boy is currently turned out for half of the day in a big field (not a paddock) so he is getting a reasonable amout of leg stretching.
 
I stick to Cortaflex. The reason that the studies have shown Glucosamine does not work is that most of it is not absorbed by the body and merely passes out again. So if I took glucosamine it would have little benefit. However Cortaflex as I understand it contains the building blocks for Glucosamine and Condroitin which are far more readily absorbed and also other beneficial substances such as MSM.

I also use oils in the feed which are beneficial to general condition and joints. If I remove the oils his knees will click occasionally when he lifts his foot for me to pick out his hooves, (however this is only when he has been standing in prior to exercise). If I take out the Cortaflex I find he becomes slightly stiffer with the more advanced dressage movements and I will also notice very slight stiffness the day after we have loose jumped him at his top end. So although pricey must do him some good.

Cider vinegar is good for general condition and can improve appetite generally it is also great for chickens and gets hens laying better!!
 
cyberhorse said:
I stick to Cortaflex. The reason that the studies have shown Glucosamine does not work is that most of it is not absorbed by the body and merely passes out again. So if I took glucosamine it would have little benefit. However Cortaflex as I understand it contains the building blocks for Glucosamine and Condroitin which are far more readily absorbed and also other beneficial substances such as MSM.

I also use oils in the feed which are beneficial to general condition and joints. If I remove the oils his knees will click occasionally when he lifts his foot for me to pick out his hooves, (however this is only when he has been standing in prior to exercise). If I take out the Cortaflex I find he becomes slightly stiffer with the more advanced dressage movements and I will also notice very slight stiffness the day after we have loose jumped him at his top end. So although pricey must do him some good.

Cider vinegar is good for general condition and can improve appetite generally it is also great for chickens and gets hens laying better!!
Click to expand...

Hmm, interesting. maybe I should try the cider vinegar for now? See if there is an improvement. If not move onto something more specific. I used to feed my old horse cortaflex but he was older and slightly arthritic.
 
Have a look at your supplier for cider vinegar and oil additives and see how much it recommends to add to the feed. I found the ACV more expensive than the oils as they need more in the feed to make a difference. It is trial and error until you find something that works, I also remove supplements after a while just to check it is that which is making the difference.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top