Question

I have a coming two-year-old Warmblood gelding who had surgery for bilateral hind pastern bone cysts three months ago. Unfortunately, he has shown mild arthritic changes around his fetlock joint from the surgery. He is currently on several supplements, but I was wondering if there is a Kentucky Equine Research product that I should use instead to help the arthritis and the bone cysts. Besides hay and pasture, he eats hay cubes and a handful of feed.

Answer

Healing from any wound, injury, or surgical procedure requires optimal nutrition, including a complete vitamin and mineral profile. The diet your gelding currently receives does not meet his micronutrient requirements. Feeding him a complete source of vitamins and minerals will help him heal as he continues to grow. One option would be Micro-Max, a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals that will satisfy his micronutrient requirements. (Look for scientifically formulated vitamin and mineral products in Australia.) Alternatively, he could be fed a ration balancer, which would fulfill his micronutrient requirements and provide additional protein. Many feed manufacturers offer a ration balancer as part of their product lineup.

Triacton would be an appropriate product for your gelding. Triacton contains an array of highly bioavailable minerals and vitamins essential for sound skeletal development and maintenance. Studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research have demonstrated a threefold increase in bone density and a twofold increase in bone thickness of horses asked to do high-intensity exercise when supplemented with Triacton. In addition to its beneficial effects on the skeletal system, Triacton supports gastrointestinal health by increasing buffering capacity of the stomach and hindgut. While you do not specifically mention any problems with gastric ulcers or hindgut acidosis, stress associated with travel, pain, and surgery can bring about these problems in some horses.

For joint health, consider Synovate HA, a liquid supplement that delivers high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate. Hyaluronic acid plays a vital role in maintaining the health of connective tissue and optimizing normal joint function.

EO-3, a source of marine-derived long-chain fatty acids, would also support joint health due to the innate anti-inflammatory nature of two essential fatty acids, DHA and EPA, in the product. EO-3 bestows many health benefits to horses across several body systems.