arthritis advice?

[IveGotRhythm]

My 74 yr old neighbor just called me and asked me for advice. Apparently one of his 2 horses is suffering from arthritis. She is not an old horse.

I didn't have any advice to give. I have no experience with arthritis. But I told him I'd try to help.

He's on SS and doesn't have a lot of money to spend, but his 2 horses mean the world to him.

[Donkey]

Lots of turnout is key. If possible 24/7.

Inexpensive treatments,

Regular low dose of bute 5 days a week - lots of horses spend years on a regular low dose without any problems. I would do this only with vet recommendation and supervision.

MSM - one of the cheaper supplements - it works as an anti-inflammatory

Flax - the omega 3 fat has been touted as a mild anti-inflammatory

Of course if you want to spend money you can get into other supplements, adequan and legend injections etc...

I would have a vet x-ray to painful joints and get an idea if there is any possibility of fusion and the long term prognosis. This will give him the best idea on what course of treatment will be the most effective.

[tpup]

As much turnout as possible. Regular, light work (or appropriate work per their level and vet recommendation).

Previcox helps my horse tremendously. It's worth every penny and my 21 yr old gelding runs around like a 5 year old. He is also on Platinum Perf. CJ which is very pricey, but I know there's ways to mimic the ingredients by buying your own individual supps from Smart Pak or elsewhere. I would give Previcox before I give Bute...it's easier on the belly and has anti-inflammatory properties. After being on the Previcox, I saw much better results with his hock injections this time vs. last - and he made it 9 months vs. 6 before showing signs that it was time to inject.

[BKL]

My vet just recommended Previcox, daily, 1/4 of tablet. TPUP, do you administer Previcox daily? Any side effects? I'm also getting hock injections for my horse. Was giving 1 g of bute before riding (and only on riding days) to keep him comfortable while hocks are fusing. I am interested in hearing your experience w/ Previcox in regards to using it as a long term daily treatment. Will it not work if you don't give it daily? All questions I am following up w/ my vet but have been searching here to see what others have experienced. The studies are based on 14 day research but haven't seen anything out there on long term use.
Thanks in advance.

[ZiggyStardust]

Yucca is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits as a feed-through supplement. It, like MSM and flax, is not very expensive. Also, Vitamin C has been shown to enhance the benefits of MSM, if he is able to feed both.

ETA: Ditto on the turnout, this is the most important thing, to keep those joints moving.