FAQ Mobility HCC

Why should Mobility HCC Joint Health provide any benefit?

Mobility HCC Joint Health provides two of the most important joint protective supplements, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate. Hyaluronic acid is the most important component of the synovial fluid essential for the maintenance of joint health and mobility. Chondroitin sulphate is the major cellular component of articular cartilage. In addition, the benefits of chondroitin sulphate are dependent on the presence and concentration of hyaluronic acid.

Are there any known side-effects assocoated with the use of the supplement?

As with any product, individual horses can have a possible minor ailment, such as diarrhea. However, there has been no serious adverse side-effects reported.

Is it safe to use the supplement with other medications?

There have been no reports of adverse drug interactions with other products. Discontinue use and consult your veterinarian if any adverse reactions occur.

Is the supplement stimulant free and can be safely used by competitive horses?

The supplement does not contain any stimulants and can be used by competitive horses.

What is the most appropriate time for an active horse to use the supplement?

It is recommended to take the supplement prior to a period of intense activity. This will give maximum opportunity for the product to support joint health. This dosage should be repeated in 6 months to support synovial fluid health.

Is there an ideal time during the day to take the product?

The supplement can be taken at any time during the day.

Does the supplement immediately relieve lameness and joint pain?

No, the supplement is not an analgesic. Clinical studies have demonstrated improvement in joint health and mobility commences 7-10 days after the initial dose.

Why do we need to supplement hyaluronic acid in the horse?

The body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid starts to decline as the horse ages. With a very active horse, the quality and viscosity of the horse’s synovial fluid declines, which can be responsible for joint problems. Therefore, supplementation of hyaluronic acid can be very important to support joint health.

How often should a 30-day course of Mobility HCC Joint Health be administered?

This is very much dependent on the condition of the joints and the extent of degenerative joint disease. In most cases, twice yearly is sufficient but depending on the activity levels and the condition of the joints dosing every 4 months may be necessary. However, where there is extensive degenerative disease, an initial treatment course of 60-90 days may be required. It may be necessary to repeat this treatment schedule every 9-12 months. For younger active horses, who are not experiencing symptoms, where you are looking to promote joint health and mobility once yearly could be sufficient.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease due to gradual progressive damage to the joint characterized by:

  • Loss of cartilage
  • Joint dysfunction
  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Disability
  • Calcification of the cartilage

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What is articular cartilage?

Articular cartilage is a smooth viscoelastic tissue that covers the joints and is responsible for the mechanical distribution of loads across the joints and aids in the motion of the joints. Once damaged, it does not have the capacity to heal itself.

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What is chondroitin sulphate?

Chondroitin sulphate is a naturally produced substance in the body. It is a major component of many connective tissues including cartilage. Also, it is responsible for many of the important biomechanical properties of the cartilage, including resistance and elasticity. It has a high fluid binding capacity, helping maintain elasticity and shock absorbing properties.

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What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic Acid, also called hyaluronan is a naturally occurring carbohydrate in the body.  In the synovial fluid it acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints. It is essential for the maintenance of joint health.

Hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid also provides nutrition to the cartilage, as there is no blood supply to the cartilage.With insufficient nutrition, the cartilage cells die and the cartilage degenerates thus losing its function. 

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 What is synovial fluid?

Synovial fluid,found in the joint capsule, is principally comprised of hyaluronic acid. It has two main functions; aids in the nutrition of cartilage by transporting nutrients and aids in the mechanical functioning of the joints by lubricating the moving surfaces and cushioning and protecting the joints.

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Is chondroitin sulphate effective in supporting joint health?

According to recommendations of the European League Against Rheumatism and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), chondroitin sulphate provides medium strong up to strong relief of pain and an increase of the joint functionality. At the same time, it was proven that the effectiveness of chondroitin sulphate depends on the presence and concentration of hyaluronic acid.

Are supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate effective in providing joint support?

There are conflicting results reported on the effectiveness of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine supplements. An evaluation of studies conducted on 3,803 patients using glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate and the combination of the two concluded that estimated treatment effects in industry independent trials were small or absent and clinically irrelevant. This study conducted by Simon Wandel et. al. from the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland was published in the BMJ

Is arthritis common in horses?

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that effect performance and pleasure horses. In fact, arthritis is believed to be responsible for up to 60% of all lameness.

What joints in a horse are most affected?

The joints most often affected by arthritis include the knee, fetlock, coffin and pastern joints.

Is arthritis related to aging of the horse?

A 1999 study published in the Equine Veterinary Journal concluded that arthritis was a natural part of the aging process in horses. This means that it is not just horses in heavy work that are at risk – all horses are at risk for developing arthritis, even those in light work or no work at all.

Is it expensive to treat arthritis?

In the United States, the cost of treating arthritis is estimated to range between $1,000 and $4,000 per occurrence (average $2,500). Consequently, a preventive plan including regular examination and use of nutritional supplements can be a cost-effective way to minimize future treatment costs.

How long has HA been used on horses?

Hyaluronic acid has been injected directly into arthritic joints of horses since the 1970s, and an intravenous injection has been available since the 1980s. Both injectable forms have an anti-inflammatory effect, and they also seem to stimulate the body to produce more HA, which thickens the synovial fluid and increases its cushioning ability within the joint.

Will horses race longer?

Research suggests that Hyaluronic Acid treated horses raced longer, had a better speed index, a higher average number of starts and earned more money than horses treated with a placebo.