The Efficacy of Equine Oral Joint Supplements

Erika M. Wooten, John M. Mehaffey, D. Perritt, Sarah C. Canterberry, Kent Riggs, Stacie R. Appleton, Damon Grant

Research output: Other contribution

Abstract

Few studies have examined the efficacy of glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate supplements in horses. The purpose of this study is to determine if the commercially available supplements are meeting the label guarantees, and to analyze any correlation between price point and efficacy of use. The supplemental ingredients of interest to this study are combinations of glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate. Horses in the study were fed each supplement for a 14-day period with synovial fluid extracted through aseptic arthrocentesis at days 0 and 14. The 12 horses followed a 14-day feeding period accompanied by a 28-day dry out period. This protocol was repeated 3 times, each with a different supplement. During these trials and the dry-out periods, the horses were divided into groups of 4 and exercised at different levels depending on the group. Physical data was collected on days 0 and 14 of each of the 3 trials to determine any physical differences associated with the use of the supplements. The veterinarian scored the horses at a walk and trot before carrying out flexion tests on all 4 limbs. The pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, and body condition scores were also collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify the amounts of chondroitin sulfate in each sample. The results for the glucosamine and hyaluronic acid are still pending.

Original languageUndefined/Unknown
StatePublished - May 4 2016

Publication series

NameBright Ideas Conference

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