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Glucosamine: Time to Scratch "Alternative" Off the Label? Joint "nutraceuticals" like glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have always been mentioned as "alternative therapies" for horses. Their widespread use by horse owners has sent sales skyrocketing in the United States, and research is showing positive results that at least glucosamine is actually absorbed into the horse’s system. An article in Hoofcare & Lameness Issue #73 (due out March 2000) features an interview with British veterinary surgeon Ian Wright. Wright offers his first-hand observations of the nutraceuticals at work, as well as commenting on Adequan and shark cartilage. He summarizes recent research, highlights differences in absorption between chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, and offers the prediction, "It is a pity that substances such as glucosamine are sometimes called 'alternative' medicine because there is often a good, sound medical or scientific rationale for their use." Would you like to read more of this article? Click here to subscribe to Hoofcare & Lameness and the new issue will be rushed to you in the mail the day it is published! © 1997-2000 Hoofcare & Lameness |