Page 361 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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following arthroscopic surgery. The procedure yields enough IRAP for several
treatments. Three or four may be given at 7–10 day intervals. It is most successful for
VetBooks.ir • mild to moderately arthritic joints.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP). A blood sample is collected from the horse and filtered or
centrifuged to produce plasma with high levels of platelets. This is injected back into the

damaged joint where growth factors are released, which promote tissue repair and aid the
healing process.

All of these products have been derived from the patient so there is little risk of adverse
effects or rejection provided they are administered under aseptic conditions.

Oral nutraceuticals

There are numerous feed supplements available commercially containing glucosamine,
chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronan and methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM), which provide the

building blocks of cartilage. They are reported to increase proteoglycan synthesis by
chondrocytes and to protect articular cartilage by inhibiting the synthesis of degredative

enzymes that are released in inflamed joints. Scientific evidence confirming their efficacy is
limited but anecdotally these products are reported to be of benefit in providing relief from

the painful symptoms of arthritis. The quality of these products varies and in some cases the
products do not contain the level of ingredients suggested on the label so it is worthwhile

doing some research before selecting one.
Botanical extracts including devil’s claw and curcumin (which is extracted from the

Indian spice turmeric) have anti-inflammatory properties and are reported to alleviate the
symptoms in some horses.

Plant extracts from dried mushrooms, golden flax seed, yeast products, plant-based
enzymes and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation that occurs in the

muscles and joints of horses undergoing strenuous exercise. Linseed is a good source of
omega-3 fatty acids.

A plant extract from the seeds of Biota orientalis (a Chinese herb also known as Thuja
orientalis) has been shown in studies to stimulate chondrocyte proliferation and reduce joint

inflammation when given in combination with a soya oil gel.

Green-lipped mussel extracts, which contain essential fatty acids plus antioxidants have
been shown in scientific studies to alleviate the severity of lameness and reduce joint
inflammation and pain in horses with fetlock arthritis.

These nutraceuticals need to be fed for at least 2–3 weeks before the results, which

include less pain and increased range of motion, are seen.