As a pharmacologist, I am far more skeptical about the oral
polysulfated gylcosaminoglycan products (Cosequin, Flex
Free). These are not drugs - they call them
"nutriceuticals". They are feed additives, therefore they
don't have to meet any kind of scientific testing for
efficacy. If you look at their literature, they only claim
that they provide the "building blocks" needed to repair
damaged joints - but no proof that they actually ever reach
the joints (on the other hand, they've radioactively labeled
Adequan and demonstrated its uptake into joint cartilage).
Some people feed them and feel like their horse improves -
but that it very difficult to prove scientifically. They
certainly are not harmful, so if someone wants to spend
their money, I don't discourage them.
If you think it's expensive in the States - these products
are about 5 times more expensive in Canada!
Trisha Dowling, DVM, MS
Diplomat ACVIM, ACVCP
Associate Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan