Posted 2007-05-30 12:06 PM (#61480) Subject: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
17 year old show mare is on a A-Z vitamin powder and also Next Level joint supplement. She acts and looks like a four year old however I worry about her old bones! She seems to bit a bit sore on her front left. I almost positive it's her knee. She will limp like a horse does after steping on a stone. Her head doesn't bob, ears don't go back, she just babys it. It's just from time to time, maybe she steps wrong and it bothers her. I can only tell when we jog. Health wise we have years of showing left, I don't want her to be turned our to pasture over this! Any help would be greatly appreciated! Also any advice on injections? I keep hearing about that but am not sure if they are right or would help in this situation. Home remedies, alternative methods, ANYTHING! Big show season is coming up!
Posted 2007-05-30 12:19 PM (#61482 - in reply to #61480) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 27 Location: Pink, Oklahoma
My 25 year old gelding was a little bit sore much like your mare. I started him on the Next Level pellets and also B-L Pellets and they have made a huge difference. They also make a B-L Solution, but I just prefer the pellets for ease of use over the liquid. You might want to give them a try.
Posted 2007-05-30 12:35 PM (#61486 - in reply to #61482) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
I saw that a few times and thought about buying it but had never heard anything about it. Thanks so much! I will see what others have to say and maybe give that a shot.
Posted 2007-05-30 1:13 PM (#61488 - in reply to #61486) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I used the BL liquid for a gelding that we had that had broken his knee and developed arthritis in it. It helped him to stay sound for a couple of years but he was unridable.
Posted 2007-05-30 2:40 PM (#61493 - in reply to #61490) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
It just helps the pain, unfortunately I was unable to find a arthritis medicine that was able to help my old guy. We put him down so he didn't have to stay on meds and gimp forever.
Posted 2007-05-30 8:32 PM (#61520 - in reply to #61480) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 34 Location: Amarillo, TX
I highly recommend BL-Solution or BL-pellets. I have a gelding that when he was three, hurt his back, and had arthritis settle in over the years (he's now 20). This is the only product that consistently helps him remain comfortable. I think it is one of the best products on the market. I believe the Horse Journal rates it as the equivalent of 1.5 - 2 grams of bute. However, just be aware, if you show in shows that they drug test, it may be considered an illegal product. Double check the rules if you do decide to use it. That said, I would highly recommend trying it, it's great stuff.
Posted 2007-05-31 5:27 AM (#61544 - in reply to #61480) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 474 Location: White Mills, Ky.
Where do you get the BL solution? I have a 24 yo half arab whose knees are very arthritic. She is retired to pasture but I want her to be comfortable. I hate to bute her too much due to the risk of stomach ulcers. Is the BL safer than bute for the stomach?
Posted 2007-05-31 8:04 AM (#61549 - in reply to #61544) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 27 Location: Pink, Oklahoma
I order my B-L Pellets from Country Supply, but pretty much all of the horse catalogs carry it. You might also be able to find it at a local tack or feed store.
It is safer than Bute for the stomach. My 25 year old gelding has been on it for about 8 months with no problems.
One additional thing - the package says not to use in pregnant mares.
Posted 2007-05-31 11:10 AM (#61559 - in reply to #61520) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Veteran
Posts: 294 Location: Fort Worth, Tx
B-L solution contains Devils' Claw, which is a natural anti inflammatory. It is also a natural abortive and that is why it is not for use in pregnant mares. I don't know what is in it that would be testable in any association, but it doesn't hurt to check your rule book. It works really well for a lot of horses. I would also recommend an omega fatty acid, I use omega Horseshine with very good results. The right fatty acids are also natural anti-inflammatories.
Posted 2007-05-31 11:16 AM (#61560 - in reply to #61480) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
I did some research on the BL Solution and it is test free! They say because of it's natural ingredients it will not reflect in a test. I show on the paint circuit so that is important. Thanks.
Posted 2007-05-31 5:46 PM (#61574 - in reply to #61480) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 34 Location: Amarillo, TX
Country Supply does carry both the liquid and the pellets for the best price. I have found that either work equally as well; the pellets are just easier to feed. I've used it now since I first heard about it (probably 5 years or so) and have had no issues. I also use Horseshine and love it too. I find that my gelding doesn't need the BL Solution in the spring/summer and I feel it's due to the combination of fresh grass and high Omega's in the Horseshine - and probably moderate temps. But, in the fall and winter, his arthritis bothers him and I simply add the BL. Also, have not had any stomach issues at all.
When my gelding hurt his back at age three, my vet told me that he'd probably only live to be about 10. He thought the arthritis would do him in. Well, my gelding is now 20 and doing very well. I take very good care of him and keep him comfortable and happy. I would never let him suffer, so I know between the BL Solution and Horseshine, I've hit on the right combo and he's doing great.
Posted 2007-05-31 11:11 PM (#61586 - in reply to #61560) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
Legend is a great injectable product some horses only take one dose, others are once every few months.
You can also look into Cocks Comb injections, about $1000 per shot and there are three in the series but worth every dime! (these are used in people but you can get them and use them in your mare...I asked my doctor yesterday.)
Posted 2007-06-07 1:12 PM (#61950 - in reply to #61480) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 29 Location: meadowlakes texas
MY 18 YR OLD HAS RING BONE THAT HAS SUDDENLY FLARE UP, I HAVE TRIED BL PELLETS , ADEQUIN, APPLE CIDER VINAGER, CORTISONE INJECTIONS AND NOTHING REALLY MADE HIM RIDABLE. ONE VET TALKED ABOUT APRODUCT CALLED TLC AND SWORE A HORSE LIKE MINE IN NOW ROPING, HIS I M NEXT TR AS WELL AS PHOTOTHEREPAPY. IT I A TREATMET USED ON PEOPLE ARTHRTS, Y NATUAL VET JUST STARTED THIS,WE WILL HAVE IT DONE TOMORROW, I WILL LET YA'LL KNOW HOW IT WORKS. THE JT IS INJECTED WITH A SUGER SOLUTION WHICH CAUSES A INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE WHICH IN TURN CREATES SCAR TISSUE OF SOME SORT WHICH PREVENTS THE CONTACT OF BONE ON BONE.
HAS ANYONE HAD ANY LUCK WITH THIS. ??
P.S MY VET SAID COSEQUIN WAS THE ONLY GOV INDEPENDENT TEST PASSED PRODUCT THAT ACTUALLY HAD IN IT WHAT IT STATES TO HAVE IN IT (AMOUNTS OF GLUCOSAMINE AND CHONDROITIN) HE HAS ALSO BEEN ON THIS NOW FOR A MONTH NO REAL CHANGES THAT I CAN SEE
Posted 2007-06-08 3:48 PM (#62036 - in reply to #61951) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 46 Location: Carson City, MI
Let us know for sure! I just love this mare and she looks and acts like a five year old. This knee is a little crooked so I see why over the years she has gotten sore in it, I just don't want to let this bring her down.
Posted 2007-06-09 6:03 PM (#62065 - in reply to #61480) Subject: RE: Help with arthritis?
Member
Posts: 29 Location: meadowlakes texas
wELL AFTER ALL that the prolotherepy is only for a ligament or tendon that is sore. If the arthritis is in the articulating jt, your done. Treating symptoms only can get costly. Ill wait till he cannot defend himself in the pasture anymore then make a final decision.