Horses & Glucosamine

Glucosamine may be an effective treatment for arthritis in horses.

Horses can develop a condition known as osteoarthritis, which is a common form of arthritis where the cartilage in joints wears down over time. Glucosamine can be used to treat osteoarthritis in horses.

Identification

Glucosamine is a common compound added to joint supplements used to treat arthritis and other bone and joint conditions, according to veterinarian Stacey Oke.

Types

Glucosamine is available in three main types, including hydrochloride, sulfate and N-acetyl-D glucosamine.

Treatment

The most common form of glucosamine treatment is through oral supplement pills.

Effects

While many horse owners report that glucosamine treatment has improved the health of their horses, its effectiveness is not proven. Many veterinarians feel the dosages of glucosamine are too low to be effective in horses.

Research

Many pharmaceutical and veterinary medicine groups are continuing to research the effectiveness of glucosamine, according to Oke.

References

• TheHorse.com: Glucosamine and Joint Health: Pharmacologic Research Ongoing
• InfoHorse.com: Newmarket Joint Supplement Saves "Blue" from a Lifetime of the Blues!