Title: Got Joints?

Date: Monday, April 11, 2011

Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m. CT (8:30 p.m. ET and 5:30 p.m. PT)

If the joints don’t move well, the body doesn’t move well. The ability to flex, extend, and rotate the joints in the horse’s legs and spine sets the parameters for that athlete’s ability.

Many things contribute to joint problems such as nutritional imbalances, GI problems, trauma (acute or chronic), genetic pre-disposition, confirmation, poor shoeing/trimming, metabolic disorders, normal “wear and tear”, and infections (systemic or in the joint). A simple sprained fetlock as a yearling that isn’t treated appropriately can start the cartilage deterioration that will progress into arthritis and cause lameness a few years later.

Aggressive effective treatment of all joint injuries and continual preventative care are key to long term joint health, especially in the equine athlete. When it comes to purchasing joint therapies, buyers beware. Oral joint supplements don’t have the quality or purity controls required by law that prescription medications do.

Many orals are not of therapeutic concentrations and/or quality in spite of their labels. Compounded “generics” may not be safe or effective and many studies have shown them to be less effective than the “name brands.” NSAIDs have potential side effects and have been shown to decrease synovial fluid quality in human joints, so limit your use of phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine. Being overweight or in poor muscle condition puts excess strains on joints so keep your horse fit. Let's explore some effective safe therapies to help treat a wide range of joint pathologies.

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/115036243

KAM’s “Equine Learning Circle” FREE webinars are expanded from KAM’s very popular “Tip of the Week,” which can be found on the KAM Animal Services (www.kamanimalservices.com) web site, with new ones published every Monday. During the March 28th webinar a panel of equine experts will discuss the following topics.

ENDS