How Do Horses Benefit from Glucosamine Hyaluronic Acid?

Glucosamine hyaluronic acid has been used in the treating joint disorders among horses especially those that are in competition and are involved in heavy work just like in farms. It is recommended for horses as glucosamine hyaluronic acid comes from a source natural and is considered safe and healthy.

Specific indications include carpal and fret lock joint dysfunctions. It is also used in synovitis that is related to osteoarthritis among horses. However, when sepsis or fracture is suspected, one should not use glucosamine hyaluronic acid.

Glucosamine hyaluronic acid products can be injected directly into the horse’s affected joint or can also be administered intravenously for less localized joint problems. Some manufacturers also have creams available where one can simply massage the cream to the affected area.

Mechanism of Action

Equinyl, a brand of glucosamine hyaluronic acid, is specifically manufactured to help ease pain and inflammation in horses that are into training and competition. The good thing about Equinyl is it does not cause gastrointestinal side effects as compared to other brands.

It also increases the horse’s flexibility and shortens recovery time by reducing the proliferation of white blood cells particularly neutrophils in the inflammation site.

Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid help maintain the amount of synovial fluid in horses’ joints, so enough lubrication is assured.

Composition

Aside from glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, most medications for horses using hyaluronic acid is also made of chondroitin and MSM, also known as methylsulfonylmethane. This powerful formula promotes joint, tendon, and ligament movement and flexibility. The formula is even used not only in horses but also in humans.

Manufacturers produced two types of equinyl glucosamine mixed with hyaluronic acid. The first one is the regular glucosamine wherein immediate supply of glucosamine is assured, and quick relief is achieved.

The second form is the patent-pending time release glucosamine, which slowly releases the compounds within twenty-four hours. This assures a steady supply of glucosamine in the body, and the pain subsides consistently.

Active ingredients in Equinyl per ounce include glucosamine, MSM, dried milk protein, ascorbic acid or vitamin C, zinc, manganese, hyaluronic acid, and copper. Inactive ingredients include dehydrated alfalfa meal, dried molasses, mineral oil, natural, and artificial flavors.

Precautions

Glucosamine hyaluronic acid may or may not be considered to be safe for use in pregnant animals. No studies have shown either that it is safe for horses that are used for breeding purposes.

Those horses that are slaughtered for horse meat and have been using glucosamine hyaluronic acid are not allowed by the Canadian government. However, all parts of Europe allow those horses to be slaughtered, and according to them, it does not affect anyhow the edibility of the horse meat. There have been no reported cases as well of people who are poisoned from eating horse meat that have been receiving glucosamine hyaluronic acid before it was slaughtered.

Needless to say, though, it’s important to take the necessary precautions. You may want to consult your doctor if you need more suggestions or insight about glucosamine hyaluronic acid.