Products for Peak Performance with Equine Joint Health
Performance horses are truly remarkable athletes, consistently pushing their limits to deliver outstanding results in competitive arenas. Whether they leap gracefully over fences, race around tracks, or navigate challenging trails, the strain on their joints can be significant. Despite their extraordinary power and agility, joint health is a critical concern throughout their careers and as they age. Maintaining strong, flexible joints is essential for peak performance during competitions and crucial for supporting their overall well-being as they mature. Joint deterioration can lead to intense discomfort, limited mobility, and a decline in performance, so preventative joint care should be a top priority for every performance horse owner.
As horses age, they often experience increased wear and tear on their joints, leading to visible signs of discomfort and reduced mobility. Without proper joint care, older horses are vulnerable to conditions such as arthritis, inflammation, and stiffness, which can significantly impact their overall well-being. The primary goal of joint therapy is to maintain the peak performance of competitive horses and ensure that they enjoy a long and comfortable retirement. Fortunately, equine veterinary practices, such as High Caliber Performance, offer various advanced joint therapy options designed to protect and enhance joint function, ultimately preserving the horse’s performance and comfort in their later years.
Key Equine Joint Products
Movement medicine includes joint therapy and preventive supplements or injections that target inflammation and promote joint health. Here are some top products we use at High Caliber Performance to keep your horse moving in the right direction.
Adequan
Adequan is widely recognized as an exceptional joint therapy for performance horses. Typically administered through intramuscular injection, this treatment method stimulates cartilage repair and reduces joint cartilage breakdown. As a result, it is highly effective in managing joint inflammation and arthritis. Adhering to a regular Adequan therapy regimen can significantly delay the progression of degenerative joint disease, offering both short-term relief and long-term joint health benefits. Adequan allows performance horses to remain competitive for extended periods and enhances their post-performance recovery by reducing pain and inflammation.
Legend
Legend is a widely utilized injectable product that plays a crucial role in maintaining the joint health of performance horses. Administered intravenously (or intra-articularly), it targets inflammation within the synovial fluid of the joints, providing much-needed relief from pain and enhancing overall mobility for horses. Hyaluronic acid, the active ingredient, acts as a lubricant for the joints, effectively reducing friction and proving especially beneficial for horses with mild osteoarthritis or synovitis. Furthermore, Legend can be strategically administered before competitions to ensure optimal joint function and facilitate a faster post-competition recovery, making it an invaluable option for securing your horse’s peak performance.
Equioxx
Equioxx is a specialized non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) developed specifically for horses. This medication effectively alleviates pain by targeting the production of prostaglandins, which are known to be critical contributors to joint inflammation and pain. Equioxx is particularly beneficial for managing osteoarthritis, commonly found in aging-performance horses. It is available in both oral and injectable forms, offering versatile administration options for long-term pain management while prioritizing the horse’s gastrointestinal well-being.
The Role of NSAIDs in Joint Care
NSAIDs are frequently employed in joint therapy to alleviate inflammation and pain, thus enhancing a horse’s comfort and mobility. Commonly used NSAIDs such as Phenylbutazone and Flunixin Meglumine serve as short-term solutions for managing pain and inflammation, particularly after strenuous physical exertion or in cases of acute joint discomfort. However, it is crucial to administer these drugs under the guidance of our expert veterinary team at High Caliber Performance, as their prolonged use can lead to potential side effects such as gastric ulcers or kidney damage.
Intra-Articular Options
At High Caliber Performance, we offer a wide range of products designed to support joint health. We also see intra-articular options as beneficial. For those interested in intra-articular options, additional therapies target joint health directly within the joint itself, including IA products with steroids, Novaltrex, Arthramid, and Spryng. These options provide alternative ways to address joint health, allowing clients to choose treatments that best suit their specific needs.
Let the Team at High Caliber Performance Manage Your Performance Horse’s Joint Needs
At High Caliber Performance Veterinary Sports Medicine, we specialize in providing the highest level of care for the joint health of performance horses. We recognize the critical importance of maintaining optimal joint health for these athletes, not only for their competitive success but also for their long-term well-being. By leveraging a carefully curated combination of the above medications, horse owners can effectively manage and prevent joint issues arising from the rigorous demands on these magnificent animals. Our dedicated team is committed to working closely with you to craft personalized joint therapy plans customized to the unique needs of each horse, ensuring their strength and freedom from pain throughout their career and into their senior years. By prioritizing proper joint care, we not only enhance the performance of these remarkable animals but also provide them with a more comfortable and fulfilling life beyond their years of competition.