Joint supplements?

[carolinec]

The vet has suggested that I give Floyd a joint supplement to help with his movement.

Does anyone recommend a particular one? Floyd is 12 so I assume I'd want one for older horses?

Any advice is welcome.

[mickey]

I tried loads with Mickey- the most effective for him was riaflex BUT it is expensive. I've stuck Becky on equine ameria's glucosamine as it was cheaper but it it only has glucosamine rather than everything riaflex had. That said it's more of a prevention / help with any slight issues for Bex whereas Mickey had severe arthritis.
I avoid anything with devils claw.

[NFK Dumpling]

James now aged 21 has Cortaflex which suits him.

[SuzieP]

Bea is on Synequin. It's very expensive, but if you can get your vet to prescribe it on insurance so that you get the loading dose in then it works out not bad at all. It's £123.50 for a 1kg tub - but this lasts Bea about 4/5 months. Since his original bout of arthritis 3 years ago, he hasn't had a day's lameness (touching wood VERY firmly with crossed fingers LOL). See what the vet thinks....

www.nutrecare.co.uk/Product-1250/Horse-Joint-Supplements/Synequin-Equine-Powder

[tinkerdorisalison]

wonder why the vet has said that and in the next breath thinks its LG Lammie.

there are two types of supplements - pain relief or joint lubrication.

MSM seems to be major part of some of these things. I am trying to understand the supplement market and not getting very far

sorry not much help am I

[SuzieP]

As I understand it, MSM is the anti-inflam bit - the other stuff is joint lubricant and cartilage support.

This gives some info: www.all-natural.com/msm.html

[harveydales]

That's an interesting article, Sue. Thanks.

I used to keep Quest on Equine America's Cortaflex because it's just about the only one safe for laminitics because ti doesn't have the glucosamine molecules in it, just the precursors. But presumeabley your vet has ruled out LGL.

I've got Harvey on Premier Flex at the moment, mainly as a preventative because of his age and what I do with him. I like to use supplements which have Hyaluronic Acid in because I know it makes a difference to my own joints. Some one on the Saddle Up board has made a Joint Supplement table comparing the ingredients, quantities and prices. Worth a look. www.saddle-up.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=204280

[carolinec]

To be honest, I'm not certain the vet has a clue what's going on.

He said Floyd had raised digial pulses in both back feet but then didn't seem to think it's lami as Floyd shows no sign of pain.

I tried riding Floyd for the 1st time yesterday and he's still dragging his back legs (one in particular). He can't seem to lift it properly and the movement doesn't look right from the hip.
Calling the vet out again and if he doesn't have any ideas then I'm getting someone else in.

[SuzieP]

I think it's a good idea to get someone else in, Caroline. From the sound of it, your vet seems to be taking a bit of a scatter-gun approach rather than working to pin-point the problem Has he done nerve blocks yet?

[Anna]

Have you had his back checked at all Caroline? Sorry if you have, I'm a bit behind but hind leg lameness and the leaving behind of one can be related to back pain.

I would, to be honest, be keeping your referral at Leahurst and pushing to get the date asap personally to get a proper diagnosis.

[carolinec]

No nerve blocks done at all.

The vet didn't want to refer to Leahurst until I'd tried riding him again. I'm ringing him tomorrow to expain that I'm not happy & want referring immediately.

[harveydales]

I think you are def doing the right thing in demanding a referal.

[jec248]

I buy Blue chip joint relief for my 22 year old fell pony and can recommend this.