IS GLUCOSAMINE GOOD FOR THE HORSE'S JOINTS?
Glucosamine is a carbohydrate molecule that helps the formation of joint cartilage and synovial fluid while at the same time, inhibiting the breakdown of articular cartilage. There are a number of glucosamine preparations available for use in horses: Intra-articular injection (in the joint), intra-muscular injection (in the muscle) and glucosamine feed supplements. Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid (molecule found in the horse’s synovial fluid and articular cartilage), chondroitin sulphate (molecule found in the articular cartilage) and MSM (anti-inflammatory agent) have shown to have a positive effect on the horse’s stride length and ability to exercise. However, you should give it at least 3 months before assessing the effects of adding glucosamine to your horse’s diet. Horses that have shown to benefit from these type of preparations ought to have them on a regular basis. No side effects have been documented or reported.