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VETERINARY ADVICE
Over the past five years, vet Stephen Ashdown has written many articles, spoken on equine matters and contributed widely to horse magazines.

Here he reproduces in the form of questions and answers about 100 topics, all of them common problems which afflict horses.

To access Topics click on Vet Advice Menu.

The Right Supplements
Q I own a 10-year old, 16hh Thoroughbred who has just been diagnosed with arthritis in his hips. The vet said I could try natural remedies, or he could go on bute for the rest of his life, which is not really an ideal solution.

I have tried cider vinegar and cod liver oil, but it didn't seem to have an effect. Are there other things I could try?

A Arthritis is just a term meaning soreness or inflammation of the joints. It has many forms and causes. As a general principle, you need to consider two forms of supplement: those that lessen the inflammation and discomfort, and those that help the joints heal and get the body back to normal. Commonly used drugs, such as bute, lessen the discomfort but damage the ability of the body to regenerate.

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Herbal arthritis mixes can relieve pain and help the healing process. It really depends on whether the damage is to the inside of the joints or the ligaments that surround it.

For example, if cartilage is damaged you should use glucosamine-type products or a formula designed to increase the nutritive value of joint fluids, whereas if ligaments are damaged you should try sulphur containing neutraceuticals which supply the nutrients important for repair. However, for general support of your horse's problem, consider the use of a good chelated multi-mineral supplement and supplements to ease the discomfort.

If you choose to use homoeopathy which is very different to herbalism, combinations of Rhus tox, Ruta grav and Arnica can help.

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