What makes Cosequin® for horses better? Cosequin®’s formulation is unique. Unlike other
equine joint supplements available, numerous well-respected research papers have been published to confirm its supportive qualities scientifically.
No other joint supplement can match this amount or quality of research. The three main ingredients of Cosequin® for horses are proven individually and have been shown to act synergistically – so the effect of all three is maximised.
The type and source of chondroitin sulphate and
glucosamine hydrochloride are very important - there are lots of different forms. Many are simply too big to be absorbed from the gut and they have not been shown to have the same activity in promoting joint health. The chondroitin sulphate contained in Cosequin® is considered by the European Pharmacopoeia as a reference standard. The results of one comparative study showed that only one of ten different types of chondroitin sulphate approached and none bettered the activity of TRH122 found only in Cosequin®.
Many products do
not state the sort of chondroitin they contain and no other animal product contains the unique patented molecules of Cosequin®. Many products do
not state the purity, source of chondroitin or expiry date of the product, and often safety/toxicity trials have
not been performed. This information is freely available for Cosequin®.
Some equine joint supplements use shark-derived chondroitin and this raises conservation issues for our wildlife; the chondroitin in Cosequin® for horses is
not from this source.
How is Cosequin® for horses given? Cosequin® is initially given at a ‘loading’ rate to replenish the depleted stores of the building blocks necessary to produce cartilage. At the end of this time, the amount of Cosequin® can be gradually reduced to a maintenance level for long-term administration. Please seek expert advice to establish the optimum amount you need to give to your horse or pony.
Initial Loading This should last 2−4 weeks. The amount given can be increased but should
not be decreased during this period. If the horse shows little or
no response after 30 days, extend this administration for 2 more weeks.
Maintenance Do
not lower the amount until your horse has begun to respond. After your horse has demonstrated a good response, reduce the daily amount by 1 level scoop each week. Once consistent joint health is maintained, these levels may be further reduced to every other day dosing. Reducing the amount in this manner will help find the horse’s individual maintenance level more easily. Always watch your horse’s movement and attitude to ensure that he is still feeling comfortable through each weekly transition. The amount may be increased at any time if needed, without having to go through the loading stage again but it is advisable
not to stop use completely even if your horse has shown good improvement.
Please use the table below as a guide as to how much Cosequin® Equine to use to manage the joint health of your horse:
Is Cosequin® for horses easy to give? Yes! As it is fed at a low daily volume and is odourless and tasteless, Cosequin® Equine powder is easy to give and is well accepted by most horses when mixed in the hard feed. A small amount of water or molasses will help Cosequin® stick to the grains. Cosequin® can also be mixed with a treat or a small amount of sugar beet pulp for fussy feeders.
Is Cosequin® for horses value for money? Yes! Cosequin® Equine is very cost effective because, at maintenance level, many horses can be sustained on one scoop per day or even one scoop every other day. Cosequin® Equine is available in two pot sizes – 400g and 700g, so there is a size to suit different pockets. Due to the low daily feeding volume (one scoop is 3.3g) each pot of Cosequin® goes a surprisingly long way. In fact, comparing the price on a cost per scoop or cost per day basis often reveals just how cost-competitive Cosequin® Equine is.
The table below highlights how many days the two pot sizes of Cosequin® Equine will last for an average 300kg to 600kg horse, but as an example of just how economical it is to use, if your horse is maintained on one scoop a day, a 700g pot will last approximately SEVEN months! For every other day administration, that’s well over a year!
It is also worth remembering that Cosequin® Equine is made from the highest quality and proven ingredients available. There are cheaper, inferior equine joint supplements available, but none come close to Cosequin® for horses.
Are there any side effects? No – there are
no recognised side effects of Cosequin® administration. Cosequin® can also be safely given in combination with other joint support products which the horse may already be receiving. However these additional products can often be discontinued without any detriment to the horse’s health. Always seek expert advice for the best programme of administration for your horse.
