[QHgin]

I was at the vet with Cheyenne today for her recheck and i asked about starting her on a joint supplement i really thought she would have suggested adaqun but she told me to use cosequn or cortaflex.....what i cant decide on is if i should get powder, pellets, or liquid????? she isn't a picky eater but dose drop some feed but normally picks up every bit she drops.
OH and her ultrasound showed that the Acell treatment worked. her ligament is about 95% reattached. so that is good news. she goes back in 6 weeks to recheck it.

[ejforrest]

Study Reaffirms Benefits of Joint Supplements

by: Press Release
May 19 2005, Article # 5794
Study results published November 2004 in the Equine Veterinary Journal affirm the use of FCHG49® glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122® low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, as found exclusively in Cosequin®, for joint health support in horses. Cosequin has previously been shown to improve lameness grade in horses with radiographic evidence of joint cartilage damage, and studies have explored possible mechanisms of action for FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122 low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate. This new study using equine cartilage cells, led by A. E. Schlueter, PhD, and M. W. Orth, PhD, of the department of animal science at Michigan State University, was conducted to further explore effects of the compounds on production of the inflammatory mediators associated with cartilage damage.
The study showed that the combination of FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122 low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate "may suppress cartilage catabolism through regulating cell signaling molecules, including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)." Higher production of PGE2 and NO is seen in the joint when there is increased cartilage breakdown. The combination also decreased expression of another inflammatory mediator, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9).
"The research reaffirmed that our product helps promote joint health," says Barbara Eves, DVM, manager of professional and technical services at Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. Eves continues, "It provides additional evidence for a mechanism of action of these compounds in protecting joint cartilage."
The study was sponsored in part by Nutramax Laboratories Inc, makers of Cosequin®, the only glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate brand shown effective and safe in horses in published, controlled U.S. studies.


"One of the oldest joint supplements on the market is Cosequin, which contains low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and manganese ascorbate. McIlwraith commented that this company was one of the few that actually had conducted research on its product, and that other companies have often "borrowed" that data and applied it to their own products, which might or might not have the same ingredients.
Available on the company's website (www.cosequin.com) are the results of five studies that showed positive effects of Cosequin. The studies using live horses found that Cosequin supplementation was safe and effective, but the number of horses used in these studies was small. In addition, one study was not blinded or controlled. They also have in vitro studies that suggested the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate complemented one another and was more beneficial than either compound alone."

[JBandRio]

Cosequin is actually pretty economical on a per-dose basis - if you get the 3lb size, and if you get it at a discount. I buy mine from a guy on Ebay - comes still shrink-wrapped. The "deal" is roughly $150-ish, give or take, plus shipping, for the 3lb container. For a small horse like yours, that's over 400 servings. You'll be short by a few days your first container, as you'll want to do the loading dose for 10-14 days.