Staying fl exible

JOINT ISSUES CAN BE A COMMON FACTOR AFFECTING EQUINE PERFORMANCE. EMMA PENNY TALKS TO EXPERTS ABOUT WHAT CAN BE DONE.

Most of us have sat on a horse at some point and wondered if it is feeling a bit less fl exible or forward than usual, and then considered what our next steps should be. These days, a multitude of treatments, supplements and therapies give plenty of options, but diagnosing what’s wrong in the fi rst place can be complicated too.

FEI veterinary surgeon Howard Newitt says the onset of potential joint issues can be very subtle. “It could be lameness, but it could also be di culty performing a certain movement or if the horse is very one-sided.

“It is worth considering whether it is a training issue or a physical cause, particularly if it is a horse in the early stages or going up the levels. Does the horse understand what it being asked of it?”

Where it is deemed to be a physical issue, a chat with your vet should be the next logical step. “When they visit, they can decide whether a lameness investigation is needed, or whether physio or a change in shoeing might help. In many cases, the vet, physio and farrier need to work together.”

ABOVE: IF JOINT ISSUES ARE SUSPECTED, YOUR VET WILL SUGGEST WHETHER A LAMENESS WORK UP IS NEEDED. RIGHT: DRESSAGE PLACES CONSIDERABLE DEMANDS ON THE HORSE’S JOINTS.

STAYING Flexible

LEFT: CONSIDER WHAT COULD BE CHANGED TO HELP THE HORSE; BEING SCRUPULOUS ABOUT SHOEING AND FOOT BALANCE MAY HELP.

Where a lameness work-up is required, the horse is likely to have nerve blocks, x-rays, and ultrasound scans as a fairly standard procedure, says Mr Newitt. The options for treatment of a joint issue will depend on whether it is a high motion joint, such as the fetlock, which has a big range of motion, or a low motion joint such as the lower hock joint. If there are multiple joints involved, this too will be taken into account.

“The choice of treatment will also depend on the level of the problem and the competition schedule as not all treatments are competition legal.” Any treatment or supplement can be checked on the FEI Clean Sport website, though Mr Newitt cautions that withdrawal periods are only a guide, and that a safety margin must be built in where competitions are scheduled.

He says cortisone joint injections fall into the FEI ‘not permitted’ category, but newer biologic products, which are harvested from the horse’s blood or bone marrow to produce natural anti infl ammatory products or growth factors, are allowed under FEI rules.

However, any joint injections come with risks such as infection and, where steroids are used, laminitis. “These complications are rare, but they do happen. For this reason, best practice is to have a lameness investigation before any injections so you base the treatment on evidence rather than guessing.

“We would also look at what else we might be able to change to help the horse. For instance for arthritis in the foot, being scrupulous about shoeing and foot balance and using a pad or wedge might help. And if the issue is in the back or sacroiliac, regular physio can often be integral in keeping the horse functioning well.”

Depending on the vet’s fi ndings, managing joint issues may mean reducing the intensity of training, replacing some of the repetition of schooling with hacking or using a treadmill, he says. “Also, think about targeting training like athletes do – factor in easy weeks and plan to build up to a competition so you are not keeping your horse at peak fi tness all the time.”

The old-fashioned approach of knowing your horse’s legs really well is still valid, he adds. “Notice any small changes or pu ness. neven shoe wear is another thing to look for and to talk to your farrier, vet and physio about.

“I’d also recommend getting into the habit of trotting your horse up the day after a competition – it’s good practice for competitions, and also means you can monitor for any stiff ness or changes as the earlier you spot things, the easier they are to manage.”

Supplements are a good fi rst step with no real downside other than cost, he says. “It can be di cult to compare the level of ingredients in diff erent products so work out what is in the daily dose and also ensure products have the BETA NOPS label which minimises the risk of accidental contamination from NOPS (Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances).”

Ryan Millar from Bettalife says the ingredients within supplements and dosage rates should be transparent on labelling and easy to understand. “When choosing a supplement, work out the monthly cost rather

ABOVE: IF THE ISSUE IS IN THE BACK OR SACROILIAC, REGULAR PHYSIO CAN OFTEN BE INTEGRAL IN KEEPING THE HORSE FUNCTIONING WELL.

ABOVE: TARGET TRAINING AS ATHLETES DO, WITH INTENSIVE TRAINING INTERSPERSED WITH EASIER WEEKS.

than the cost of the tub so that you can budget and it’s not a shock.”

Nupafeed’s Jemma Noble agrees that it can sometimes be confusing to work through the jargon and sales pitches. “Stick with proven nutrients and make sure they are at the right level, not just a token amount.”

Kate Hore from NAF explains that manufacturers of nutritional products cannot say their products will treat a particular issue. “Feed supplements come under feed legislation, so no medical claims can be made. But we can say that supplements will maintain, supplement, optimise or nourish.”

Two distinct types of supplements exist – those that ‘feed’ or ‘nourish’ structures such tendons, ligaments and synovial fl uid, which generally contain glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, antioxidants and ingredients such as Omega-3. The other type of supplement – those which are aimed at pain relief or some sort of anti infl ammatory action – tend to be herbal, such as Devil’s Claw (banned in FEI competition) or Boswellia.

While Kate says there is little doubt these can have a positive eff ect, for most active competition horses, opting for a ‘nourishing’ type of product will provide the ‘building blocks’ for good long-term joint health.

Consulting these companies’ customer helplines can reduce ‘supplement complexity’, says Kate. “At times, people can end up feeding half a dozen products which may end up masking one another – we can help simplify that.”

THE INSURER’S VIEW

Treatments for joint issues are developing all the time, and insurer KBIS says that once diagnosed and depending on the cover you have in place there are no limitations to the treatment your vet recommends within the level of cover on your policy.

A lameness work up and subsequent treatments for joint issues can result in a signifi cant vet bill. hen investigations start, claims team manager Sarah Price says it is a good idea to ask your vet about likely costs and to keep a regular check on them throughout the process. “It is easy to lose track of costs and spend a lot on diagnostics before any treatment.”

It is vital to understand your insurance policy, what is or is not covered, any exclusions which might have an impact, and the level of cover you have. here a horse has had joint injections before, this will be a pre-existing condition and should be declared as a material fact in any insurance proposal form. It is likely the joint – and its bilateral pair – would be excluded from cover.

“THE OLD-FASHIONED APPROACH OF KNOWING YOUR HORSE’S LEGS REALLY WELL IS STILL VALID...”

ABOVE: GET INTO THE HABIT OF TROTTING YOUR HORSE UP THE DAY AFTER A COMPETITION TO SPOT ANY ISSUES EARLY.

TREATMENT

Treating joint disease is a challenge as the condition tends to be progressive. Traditionally the aim was to keep the horse as comfortable as possible by administering anti-in ammatory painkillers or injecting the aff ected joint with corticosteroids to reduce in ammation. in ammation.

However there have been great advances recently which have advances recently which have enabled a new generation of enabled a new generation of ‘orthobiologic’ disease-modifying ‘orthobiologic’ disease-modifying treatments to be considered. treatments to be considered.

These are derived from the body itself, can be cell based or plasma based and can be cell based or plasma based and aim to stop the process of joint disease aim to stop the process of joint disease and in some cases have a reparative and in some cases have a reparative eff ect. They achieve this by enhancing eff ect. They achieve this by enhancing the natural healing mechanisms to the natural healing mechanisms to such an extent that they are eff ective such an extent that they are eff ective at treating the disease process. at treating the disease process.

The early orthobiologics treatments were unlicensed and therefore not standardised or fully tested. However, there are now licensed stem cell products available which have proven results in targeting cartilage repair and restoring joint health, this gives your horse the best possible prognosis in treating arthritis.

These disease-modifying treatments are growing in popularity and are seen as the next generation of arthritis treatments. An educational service from the makers of Arti-Cell® Forte suspension for injection for horses. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK.

EQUITOP GLME Brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, global leaders in equine health. Equitop GLME is a unique joint supplement that has been specifi cally designed for horses and contains high quality Green Lipped Mussel Extract (GLME), a natural source of glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin sulphate, along with vitamins, minerals and soothing omega-3 fatty acids.

RRP: £70 FOR A 750G TUB | equitop.co.uk/buy-now

JOINT SAVIOURS PRODUCT WATCH

NAF FIVE STAR SUPERFLEX is a scientifi cally balanced ratio of the key joint nutrients Glucosamine Sulphate, MSM, Chondroitin Sulphate and Hyaluronic acid (HA). This unique formulation provides optimum levels of the key joint support nutrients, in a synergistic blend with naturally sourced antioxidants to support healthy, exible joints. Available as powder or liquid.

RRP: POWDER FROM £24.15 FOR 400G,

LIQUID FROM £36.75 FOR 1L | naf-equine.eu/uk

HACK UP liquid and powder combo are individual supplement solutions to target mobility, digestion, respiration, immunity and calmness. Hundreds of fresh plant-based ingredients are available to us in our new high-tech handmaking factory. atch your product in production for reassurance of rigorous quality control. igital fi les are available for authorities’ traceability.

RRP: FROM £39.99 | hackup.co.uk VETROFEN works to naturally target in ammation support equine joint comfort and exibility relieve stiff ness and boost your horse s overall performance and wellbeing. Used before and after periods of physical stress or intense activity, Vetrofen Intense has a quick and lasting eff ect like nothing else. This all-natural equine supplement is great for horses’ joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

RRP: FROM £24

animalife.co.uk VITAFLOOR is an innovative vibrating oor system, developed originally for horses, that off ers versatile physical training and countless therapeutic benefi ts. hen used for as little as 10 minutes a day, research shows positive eff ects on warming up. eterinary studies show ita oor develops back muscles, topline and promotes suppleness. The ita oor is eff ective and non-invasive. ee website for research and case studies.

RRP: POA | equinehealthcentre.com

BETTALIFE PHARMAQUIN JOINT COMPLETE

HA uses only the highestgrade active ingredients, with no artifi cial fi llers or bulking agents, to support optimum joint health and mobility. PharmaQuin includes a 10-10-4 ratio of Glucosamine, & Chondroitin, off ering maximum joint support for all horses. All Bettalife products come with a full money back guarantee, and a full ingredients list can be found on the website for complete transparency. 1kg provides 100 days supply on a maintenance serving.

RRP: £72.50 FOR 1KG | bettalife.co.uk

NUPAFEED FLEX GLM is the original, advanced Green Lipped Mussel joint formula. Ideal for hard-working, older or stabled horses. Our Green Lipped Mussel of the highest quality and Flex GLM provides far more than any other supplement. Green Lipped Mussel provides nature’s most potent Omega-3, combined with a phosphorylated glycogen compound, to naturally support against in ammation. Flex L also includes eff ective levels of Vit E and Selenium, which support against damage to joints and muscles.

RRP: £49.50 FOR 2KG (ONE MONTH) | nupafeed.co.uk MY JOINTS PLUS is a revolutionary advanced formula containing a unique combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate, MSM, Hyaluronic acid, Turmeric, Linseed and Black Pepper within an algaeomega blend. Just one scoop supports the core building blocks of the joint, coupled with anti-in ammatory and anti-oxidant properties for healthy, mobile joints, tendons and ligaments. Don’t wait for problems to strike, protect your horse now.