ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Chondroitin Sulfates and MSM

Re: [endurance] Chondroitin Sulfates and MSM

Diane E. Nelson (nelsonde@ttown.apci.com)
Tue, 30 Apr 1996 13:31:17 -0400 (EDT)

The Chondroitin sulfates seem to be a "designer" supplement right now and
at $1/day I think it is difficult to justify using it. You will read
testimonials from people who claim everything but a cure for cancer using
any of these new products. I have my doubts. I have yet to see any
published research results, on equines, to back up the advertized
claims. My vet routinely calls the Director of Research for each and
every new equine supplement manufacturer and interegates them regarding
the efficacy of each product. He has found few that have field tested
these products on equines, or if tests have been done, the length of time
or a host of other factors would mitigate against drawing definitve
conclusions.

Patty Lambert started using DMG on Trenton (20 yrs old) and his
recoveries have improved quite dramatically. We use DMG also--a low
maintenance dose daily, then 1 oz AM/PM a couple days before & after a
ride. What we DON'T have is a tying up problem or undue mechanical
fatigue.

I guess, if you can afford, and if it doesn't hurt the horse, and you
feel better about it, maybe it's OK to feed supplements. However, why
load the horse up on more stuff to metabolize if it isn't needed?

If you have sprains & strains-- massage, external application of Mineral
Ice, real ice, or a whole host of products like Uptite poultice, plus
your care and attention will do a lot more than an ounce of a fancy
chemical with no proven track record.

If you have arthritis to deal with, learn to do stretches on your horse
to limber him up, then work lightly and consistently.

And nothing beats good pasture, good hay and sensible grain!

Diane @ Safe Haven
Allentown, PA

On Tue, 30 Apr 1996, CELINA GARCIA ROBERTS wrote:

> Does any of these products help in the healing of sprains and strains of
> ligaments and/or tendons? Do they help older horses that have arthritis?
> If so, which is the better product to use? Any input on these two
> products would be helpful, good, bad, or otherwise.
>