Due to workload and strain, a sport horse’s joints and tendons are put under heavy stress. Despite careful care and maintenance plans, joint issues can threaten highly active sport horses. Many horse owners use various supplements, such as MSM, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine, to support joint function as part of daily feeding.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil studied the progression of osteoarthritis in horses to measure the effectiveness of adding chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to the diet. Sixteen healthy mares were selected for this study, with normal joints based on flexion tests, radiographs, and ultrasound examinations. The horses had a surgically induced lesion created in the fetlock joint. After that, the mares were divided into two groups: mares in the treatment group were given chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and MSM powder in the feed every 12 hours for 90 days after surgery. The control group horses received no supplement. All horses were evaluated for lameness 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after surgery. The researchers assessed all lameness using the system provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, which includes a score from 0 (no lameness) to 5, and lameness was further measured using motion-sensor software. The researchers also recorded joint angles during the physical examination. Ultrasound and radiographic examinations, as well as synovial fluid collection for biomarker evaluation, were performed at the same time points.
In summary, according to the researchers, “Significant differences were observed between the groups in some evaluated parameters, such as visual lameness assessment, synovial prostaglandin E2 concentrations, and ultrasound examination. The treated group had better results in joint flexion, sensor-based lameness analysis, and in analyses reflecting tissue repair.” “Without a doubt, joint problems remain a significant challenge for sport horses, and as the situation progresses, they are often cited as the reason horses cannot perform at their level, their training has to be reduced, or they have to retire from sport altogether. Preventing joint problems is also an important welfare aspect, because horses are ridden and live longer and longer,” said Peter Huntington, B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc., veterinarian and nutrition director at Kentucky Equine Research. The results of this particular study support the use of joint supplements containing chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and MSM.
Source:
*Yamada, A., C. do Prado Vendruscolo, M.F. Marsiglia, E. Sotelo, F.R. Agreste, S. Seidel, J. Fülber, R. Baccarin and L. da Silva. 2022. Effects of oral treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in an experimental model of equine metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis. BMC Veterinary Research 18:215.
