I recently received an email from a client that is dealing with arthritis in the neck of his 6 year old TB.  He was asking if there was any nutritional support that might help his horse.  This is how I answered:

“With most arthritis cases, nutritionally you have to make sure they’re getting certain nutrients to aid the body with inflammation and bone health.

I always start with my hay and make sure it is tested and has a higher protein level so that I know my horse is getting proper amino acids.

If the horse requires supplementation with grain for energy try to use one that has the three essential  amino acids guaranteed in the guaranteed analysis.

These include lysine, methionine and threonine.
Most feed companies only guarantee lysine.

Other nutrients that are super important for bone health are phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur and the trace minerals zinc, copper and manganese.

Vitamins A, C and B are all really important for anti-inflammatory and connective tissue health.

After you are sure his diet is adequate you can look at joint supplements.  I usually tell my clients to use one that has all of the joint support ingredients (rather than just one) as you never know which one your horse will respond to.

So look for one that has HA,MSM, Chondroitin, and Glucosamine.

Herbal supplementation would include devils claw for reducing pain, Bromaline for anti-inflammatory and yucca for anti-inflammatory.

I really like Uckle’s Arthrigen because it has everything in it.”

Hope this helps!

The Nerd