Having tried Cortaflex HA...

[spotti]

...the strong super concentrated one, it has to be said that I'm not all that impressed . Faith doesn't seem to have gone downhill from when I swapped from Glucosamine and Devil's Claw Root to the Cortaflex HA, but she has in no way improved as dramatically as I thought she might have. Soooo I'm thinking that we may be going back to the Devil's Claw!!!

Do you think it would be worthwhile trying the lower concentration of the Cortaflex (before going back to what we know works well) if the super concentrated 'booster' stuff didn't really make much of a difference? It will work out a tiny bit cheaper if the Cortaflex does the job (simply because a tub lasts longer), but if it's not likely to make a difference, is it really worth giving it a go?

[zara]

Hi Spotti, I used Cortaflex HA when AJ was first diagnosed and I have to say it made no difference what so ever! i use Naf Superflex and i do think it helps; I can certainly tell if he misses a day or so. I used to give him Devil's Claw too but was advised by Naf nutritionist not o use it regularly but keep it for flares and injuries only. DC is only an anti-inflammatory and doesn't aid joint health such as the joint supplements do. Just another thought - a friend has her elderly arthritic mare on Blue Chip Dynamic and that certainly helps Zxx

[spotti]

That's quite interesting Z. I know DC is just an anti-inflammatory and not something that aids joint repair, which is why I have (had) Faith on glucosamine as well - we only tried the cortaflex because the chiro recommended it (something to do with the molecules in the cortaflex being more accessible than those in glucosamine alone?), but to be honest I've not noticed any change...Faith is still as sort-of-stiff-but-not-quite-lame-with-it as she has been on DC, so not really worth the extra money.

I have seen the NAF around, but generally I've found NAF stuff really is naff!!! But if you think it works with AJ then that could be something else we try (afterall, I know that DC + glucosamine helps so I suppose we can always revert back to that if needs be). I'm going to have to google the Blue Chip Dynamic - I'm intrigued! Not entirely sure if it will be suitable for Faith as she's just so sensitive to everything, but I'll look into it .

How is AJ these days? Still his gorgeous but cheeky self?

[scattymare]

Spotti how long has she been on it? It can take some time to notice an improvement. No experience of Cortaflex but I used to use VetVits Equiflex on P and it definately made an improvement.
Look for a supplement that combines Condroitin and Glucosimine - was my vets advice. Also check the levels of pure ingredients - so many supplements are just full of fillers and unless you fed the loading dose (or more) constantly you would be unlikely to notice a difference. I can't remember what the measurements they need are off the top of my head but if you do a search on H&H someone did a good analysis of all the supplements.

[rainbow]

Im another one that gives vetvits equiflex a thumbs up. It has done wonders on my friends welsh d that with cider vinegar oil.

[dannyboy]

Spotti I've tried a few types, Cortaflex being one of the first. I tried it for approx 2/3 months with no benefits evident for Murphy.
The only one that I can honestly say made a difference and that was suggested by my vet was Flexadin Equiflex but it was terribly expensive. I used it for approx 2yrs and Murphy did seem pretty sound throughout although I hadn't been riding for most of it .

I recently changed to DC Root and initially I thought it didn't work but I'm glad to say that he isn't clicking in his joints, he seems well in himself and at a fraction of the price Long may it last!

I do think it differs from horse to horse and its all about trial and error. I read an article on supplements recently and it didn't sound too promising for improvement in horses as no guarantees.

[daviedevs]

Jess is on Cortaflex..and has been for years. Its the only one on the market that has been backed with scientific proof. Whether it actually works or not is debatable as she only has minor hock arthritis and lots of fitness work to build muscle to support the joint is far more beneficial according to the vet.

FYI

From April 2012 ALL supplements will be required to show scientific results by law.

All the so called "calmers" etc will not be allowed to say that they calm horses unless proof is shown.

for example Magic powder will still be for sale as magic powder but unless its proven scientifically to work then it will not be allowed to sell it as Magic Calmer..only as magic powder.

This goes for every supplement out there whether for joints,shiney coats, calmers or what ever.

Hopefully we will then see what DOES actually work and save alot of money by just buying the correct supplement, that actually works for our precious friends.

Also just to point out, I had Jess on Magic for almost a year as i was told it "Takes the edge off" her moods. TBH i swore by it and she had a small scoop in her dinner every day. She has now been off it for a couple of weeks and shes been ridden and worked a little more..and the result?? Shes the calmest and most relaxed shes ever been.

Watch this space though!!

[duckles]

I did not find cortaflex any way helpful but I have a friend who swears by it so I suppose it really depends on each individual.
I also found devil's claw to be totally ineffective although I know loads of folk here find it very good.
THe only supplement with which I noticed an improvement was Lubrisyn but its very pricey (and it was in combination with cortizone injections).
Its worth bearing in mind that sometimes inflammation can be tiggered/worsened by foods stuffs, stress etc. I took JB off chaff at once stage and did notice an almost immediate improvement. THis could have been a co incidence. It was really annoying as I liked feeding chaff
I also agree that a good exercise regime can help in many ways. It is also the thing that is hardest to do with an arthritic horse especially in winter.
I remember thinking that the combination of ingredients in Flexiden Equiflx (DB's supplement) sounded very good but I have never tried it.