Description
Glucosamine is utilised in the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which then combine with hyaluronic acid (HA) to form large proteoglycans in the matrix of cartilage. As such, glucosamine is a fundamental molecule for the synthesis and structure of cartilage. A growing body of evidence supports the pain-relieving and potentially chondroprotective properties of glucosamine. Notably, glucosamine prevents degradation of cartilage proteoglycans in vitro and upregulates production of proteoglycan by chondrocytes. Glucosamine has also been shown in vitro to protect against the inhibition of proteoglycan production in chondrocytes caused by methylprednisolone. Already, oral administration of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate has demonstrated positive effects on equine osteoarthritis, and intravenous administration of glucosamine more rapidly produces significantly higher serum and synovial fluid glucosamine levels. During one 12-hour study period, Intravenous administration in horses created maximum glucosamine levels 50x higher in the serum and over 20x higher in the synovial (joint) fluid than via oral administration of the same glucosamine HCl dose. In Australian trials of NV Glucosamine 200 Injection, veterinarians reported “Good” to “Very Good” response in 67.5% of the osteoarthritic horses treated (20mL IV daily for 5 – 10 days in most cases). Positive responses included improved action and race performance, and reduced lameness and joint effusion. Pentosan polysulfate, as contained in Nature Vet’s Pentosan Equine Injection, is known to stimulate cartilage healing, a process which utilises glucosamine for production of GAGs and HA.
Combining glucosamine injections prior to and/or at the time of Pentosan Equine administration may enhance the beneficial effects on the joints.
