Joint problems in horses: Which supplements for which problems?

If your horse is suffering from joint problems, there is a range of supplements available. But which product does exactly what? What are the mechanisms of action? And how do you make the right choice for your horse?

Broadly speaking, there are three types of joint supplements for joint problems. The supplement - or combination of supplements - you choose depends on your horse's symptoms. You can choose from herbs, silicon, and cannabinoids.

The joints of a horse

Because horses are true animals of movement, healthy joints are vital for them. A joint is a set of 'interlocking' bones, surrounded by cartilage that acts as a cushion and ligaments that hold the joint together (the joint capsule). A joint is lubricated by joint fluid, which prevents wear and tear on the bones from friction. Healthy joints have well-vascularized cartilage, a healthy joint capsule, and sufficient joint fluid. With aging or overuse, the composition of the joint fluid changes. This results in less effective lubrication and can lead to wear and tear, or arthritis, of the joints. This is painful for your horse and unfortunately irreversible.

In addition to arthritis, crystalline deposits in the joints can cause painful inflammations. During stress and physical activity, uric acid is released, which is normally absorbed into the blood and excreted via the kidneys and urine. A high concentration of uric acid in the blood poses a risk of crystal formation in the joints. This is called 'gout' in humans. The immune system wants to clear the crystals and attacks them. This attack causes an inflammatory reaction. If this is the case, your horse needs help to eliminate the uric acid and crystals.

Arthritis or crystal formation?

Arthritis can be diagnosed with X-rays and ultrasounds. Advanced stages of arthritis show changes to the bones. In the early stages, this is often not visible. The formation of uric acid crystals cannot be seen on a photo or in an ultrasound. Therefore, especially with early joint symptoms, it can be difficult to know exactly what is going on. Arthritis is more likely in older horses, while an increase in uric acid is likely for horses involved in intense work, prolonged training, or under a lot of stress. But besides this, treating joint problems is mainly a matter of testing which product works best for the horse.

Herbs for joint problems

Heavy work and stress can lead to an increased uric acid level and crystal formation in the joints. Herbs may act on the crystallization of uric acid in the joints. A supplement containing ingredients like turmeric, Boswellia, horsetail (Equisetum arvense), black currant, field horsetail, and bamboo can help reduce uric acid levels.

Silicon for stronger joints, tendons, and ligaments

Silicon is the building block of connective tissue and also vital for the joints and bones of your horse. Silicon plays a significant role in bone formation and maintaining cartilage. The mineral silicon is also necessary for the health of tendons, ligaments, and muscle attachments. Research shows that horses supplemented with silicon are less prone to injuries. Silicon is best absorbed in its hydrolyzed (liquid) form.

If you miss glucosamine in this story about joint problems in horses, silicon stimulates the body's own production of glucosamine and is often a better choice than a glucosamine supplement.

Cannabinoids for anti-inflammatory and pain relief

To support your horse's health and reduce pain, you can also use cannabinoids in addressing joint problems. Many joint problems involve an inflammatory response. Cannabinoids have a high therapeutic value as anti-inflammatories. Veterinarians often prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with painkillers. The advantage of cannabinoids is that they are 100% natural anti-inflammatories. They also support the so-called 'endocannabinoid system'.

Scientists have discovered that the balance in the body of vertebrate animals (including horses and humans) is largely regulated by the endocannabinoid system. This is a network of receptors spread throughout the body.

Receptors are a kind of 'switches' that can be turned on, after which the brain picks up the signal and can send a 'solution' for the detected problem. A cannabinoid is a substance that can bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the body. These substances are the signaling molecules of the endocannabinoid system, thus ensuring that the switches are 'turned on'. If there are not enough cannabinoids, this signaling works less effectively.

The body produces its cannabinoids, but can also absorb them from food or supplements. Some plants produce abundant amounts of cannabinoids. Cannabis (marijuana) is the most famous, but cloves also produce CBD and other cannabinoids. By consuming cannabinoids from plants (phytocannabinoids), you can quickly balance the endocannabinoid system and the body's own restorative capacity.

Cannabinoids can support pain relief, boost immunity, reduce inflammation (including in joints), combat stress, and help with muscle and bone problems. Cannabidiol can be a part of the approach to joint problems and stiffness in your horse.

Conclusion: choose the right combination for joint problems

Horses suffering from stiffness and joint problems may have arthritis, uric acid crystal formation, or joint inflammation. Since it can be challenging to determine exactly what is going on, sometimes it is easier to see which supplement works for your horse. There are three types of supplements that can support your horse's joint problems:

• Herbal products: improve joint fluid and prevent deposition of crystals in the joints.

• Biologically absorbable silicon for muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage, and bone formation. Silicon stimulates the body's natural production of glucosamine.

• Cannabinoids to contribute to reducing inflammation, pain, and stress and to restore balance in the horse's body.

You may find that one supplement is enough, or a combination may work better for your horse. If you have any questions or need more advice, feel free to contact us!

Sources:

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2. D. Nielsen, G. D. Potter, E. L. Morris et al. Training distance to failure in young racing quarter horses fed sodium zeolite A. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, vol.13, no.10, pp.562–567, 1993.

Training distance to failure in young racing quarter horses fed sodium zeolite A

Charles T. Price, Kenneth J. Koval, and Joshua R. Langford. 2013. Silicon: A Review of Its Potential Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis. International Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 2013. https://www.scienceopen.com/document_file/35a4be73-4673-4f19-8ebb-3e2723201c0d/PubMedCentral/35a4be73-4673-4f19-8ebb-3e2723201c0d.pdf

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