Joint Health and Arthritis

Cartilage exists wherever bones meet and it acts as the shock absorber of joints - allowing smooth movement and cushioning.

In the normal course of wear and tear on joint cartilage there is a continual process of cells and fluids being broken down and then replaced with newly synthesised cells. However - repetitive joint stress, conformational abnormalities (and/or poor farrier care) may lead to abnormal joint loading.  Nutritional deficiencies, aging and physical injury all have the capacity to disrupt cartilage production. When cartilage loses its resilience and begins to degenerate osteoarthritis sets in - characterised by pain, inflammation, joint stiffness and bony overgrowths (spurs, spavins, ringbone, etc.).

Treatment... It is important to note that although it is possible to repair cartilage and reverse arthritic changes, preventing joint degeneration should be our aim.

Treatment of arthritis "is aimed at minimising soft-tissue inflammation and associated pain, facilitating joint lubrication and maintaining optimal nutrition of the articular cartilage"' in order to support healing. Herbs and joint supplements can help - in both prevention and treatment!

What about drugs?... While the use of corticosteroids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can reduce symptoms and maybe useful in the short term they have significant side effects, especially in long term use. One potential side effect of NSAIDs (e.g. bute) is gastro-intestinal bleeding, and with long term use there is also the possibility of liver and kidney dysfunction. Most significantly, the long term use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids can actually contribute to joint damage by inhibiting cartilage synthesis and repair.

Herbal options

White Willow Bark is renowned for being a source of salicylates, the natural form of aspirin. Willow, however, does not have the significant blood-thinning action of aspirin, and does not have the adverse effects on the stomach lining that aspirin does. Willow can be used as a remedy for fevers, osteoarthritis and rheumatic complaints. It is analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic and antipyretic.

Devil's Claw, despite its rather ominous sounding name, has been proven effective in alleviating pain and swelling in a range of acute and chronic ailments of joints and muscles. It is anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relieving), anti-rheumatic and a digestive stimulant. Its ability to trigger the secretion of gastric acids is why this herb must not be used in horses suspected of having ulcers.

Meadowsweet is another natural source of salicylates but in marked contrast to aspirin meadowsweet actually protects the digestive tract, normalises acidity, and is commonly used to treat horses suffering from drug-induced ulcers. Therefore its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions can be confidently utilised in horses with "sensitive digestion". Meadowsweet is also astringent, antirheumatic and antiseptic.

Frankincense is primarily used by modern herbalists to treat arthritis (both osteo and rheumatoid) and other inflammatory conditions. It not only reduces inflammation but also relieves pain via a sedative effect on the nervous system. It has been shown to be effective at reducing swelling without the side effects associated with NSAIDs. Frankincense is valuable in treating musculoskeletal pain in general, and it has a synergy with glucosamine and is thus used in conjunction with joint building supplements. Frankincense is anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic and analgesic.
It is important to note that while anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving herbs are a big help to the horse suffering with arthritis, a holistic herbal approach  to the ailment will also include herbs to stimulate circulation and to assist in removing toxic metabolites from the system. To this end, herbs such as nettle, rosehips, clivers and celery seed may be also be used.

Country Park Animal Herbs have developed their Retirement Blend with "help the whole body" in mind, and have therefore included not only anti-inflammatory herbs but also circulatory and elimination stimulants to gently support the body:
CP Retirement Blend contains FRANKINCENSE, WILLOW BARK SHAVINGS, CELERY SEEDS to assist with the elimination of acidic accumulations associated with arthritis, ST MARY THISTLE SEED to support and protect the liver, ROSEMARY to assist an aging circulatory system, BILBERRY LEAF for its antioxidant and vasoprotective actions, and CAPSICUM - a circulatory stimulant, high in flavonoids.

Supplements    

Glucosamine is a glucose molecule bound to the amino acid glutamine. It is found in almost all body tissues and is one of the most significant compounds in the synthesis of cartilage. Supplementing with glucosamine provides your horse with one of the most important raw materials for the maintenance and healing of cartilage. Studies have shown that orally supplemented glucosamine is - (a) well absorbed from the equine gut, (b) incorporated into joint cartilage, and (c) able to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Providing glucosamine to stimulate cartilage repair allows the body to address the cause of joint pain, which is preferable to merely attempting to suppress symptoms.

Glucosamine has been shown to function more effectively in conjunction with an adequate source of sulphur - a mineral that is critically important in the formation of connective tissue in the body.

Please note: Not all herbs are suitable for pregnant mares. Ensure you check!

'Dyson & Lloyd, 2002, "The Joints" in Veterinary Notes for Horse Owners.

You should always consult with your vet regarding any serious medical condition and ensure that your vet is aware of any herbs or natural supplements that your animal is presently taking. Information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.