Treatment of Arthritis in fetlock - experiences?

[GemmaB78]

Apologies if you've seen this elsewhere but I'm trying to gather as much opinion/experiences/thoughts as possible.

Marygold has been diagnosed with the start of arthritis in her near fetlock. It's not too serious yet and is apparently consistent with her age.

The recommended treatment from the vet is an injection of HA into the joint, and a regular supplement of glucosamine/msm/chonditrin.

So:
1. Has anyone experiences of the HA injection and it's effectiveness?
2. Which supplement would you recommend? I want the one with the most effective dose of active ingredients?
3. Workload - I realise that she may not be able to go back to doing ERs month in, month out, but can she realisitically return to competing at the medium (50 - 65km) distances with occasional forays into ERs?
4. Would it be of benefit to her going barefoot? Obviously I will be speaking to my farrier about this one, and the vet when he comes out next week.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Paula18]

My horse is 22 and has arthritis in his hocks and left knee. 6 years ago we were advised to PTS due to the severity but he pulled through. I have tried so many different supplements but am currently on Cortaflex and it seems to be working well. Despite the vet advice 6 years ago my boy is still going strong. You havent mentioned your horses age but i'm guessing its younger than mine given the workload. I have always found little and often to be the best way however you may find that she settles on a supplement and then may have occasional bouts where she is stiffer at times than others due to weather change etc. When my lad goes through bouts I put magnetic boots on to increase the blood flow and they seem to be working well. He acts more like a 3 year old mostly than 22! I dont tend to see him worse after more work just important to give them plenty time to loosen up when you get on. I have kept him shod through advice from my farrier however like you say, best to consult your farrier on that one. Sorry cant give an opinion on the jabs as my boy is Laminitic and cant have them. Once you have found the best way to manage the arthritis for your horse it gets easier!