Cartilage is the major component of the joint that allows for normal joint function. Glucosamine is one of its primary building blocks that allows for cartilage to become elastic or sponge-like in its properties as well as the smooth lubricated surfaces that slide together during motion. There are a variety of conditions that can affect the cartilage and thus interfere with normal joint function such as osteoarthritis, synovitis and capsulitis.

Treatment of Equine Joint Disease

There are a variety of treatments for equine joint disease including NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, sodium hyaluronate, polysulphated glycosaminoglycans and glucosamine hydrochloride

There are two main ways in which Glucosamine can help equine joint disease:

  • To minimize the inflammation found within an injured joint.
  • To help maintenance of the cartilage and aid in repair and some degree of regeneration.

Glucosamine supplements are of use therefore both in a convalescing horse as well as the performing horse and the aging athlete or retiree. Common injuries or conditions that may be responsive to glucosamine are arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteochondrosis, and soft tissue injuries such as tendon or ligament strains. Glucosamine is also a relevant therapy in any post-operative therapy after surgeries involving the joint such as arthroscopy for OCD lesions or bone chips.

Glucosamine can come in a variety of ways. The necessary criteria to select the relevant product are to verify the purity of the product, evaluate the amount of glucosamine the horse will be getting on a daily basis and finally to see which form best meets the individual horse’s needs. There is evidence that a minimum of 10g per day is required for the average horse and that the glucosamine hydrochloride is absorbed better than the glucosamine sulphate.. Newmarket Joint Supplement contains 99% pure glucosamine hydrochloride which is highest concentrate available with high bio-availability.