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The effects of three‐month oral supplementation with a nutraceutical and exercise on the locomotor pattern of aged horses
Author(s) -
Higler M. H.,
Brommer H.,
L'Ami J. J.,
Grauw J. C.,
Nielen M.,
Weeren P. R.,
Laverty S.,
Barneveld A.,
Back W.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12182
Subject(s) - medicine , gait , placebo , stride , range of motion , treadmill , gait analysis , lameness , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology
Summary Reasons for performing study Multiple in vitro studies assessing articular tissues have indicated that glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may possess anti‐inflammatory effects, but little is known of their clinical effects in vivo . Many old horses have stiff joints, which is likely to be attributable to inflammation and therapy with these nutraceutical compounds could improve joint function. Objectives To assess the clinical effects of a mixed supplement on the improvement of stiff gait in aged horses. Study design Randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled study. Methods A group of 24 geriatric equids (age 29 ± 4 years; mean ± s.d.) received either 3 months oral supplementation with a test compound (containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and methyl sulfonyl methane), or a placebo. Kinematic outcome criteria (primary: stride length; secondary: carpal flexion, fore fetlock extension and tarsal range of motion) were objectively quantified on a treadmill at a walk and trot before and after treatment. Results Stride length did not change significantly in the treated horses at the end of the trial. In the control group, carpal flexion and fore fetlock extension were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions There were no indications of effect of the supplement on gait characteristics. The observations in the control group may have been due to a habituation or exercise effect. This study does not support the use of a glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate/methyl sulfonyl methane supplement to improve stiff gait in geriatric horses because of the lack of a sizeable effect. The significant changes in gait parameters in the control group may indicate the usefulness of exercise regimens in older horses.