My 23 year old gelding has been on Cosequin for approximately 10 years for documented pastern arthritis. He has also been diagnosed with “Cushings” for which he receives Pergolide. I have 2 questions regarding Cosequin: First, is there evidence that it can contribute to problems with Cushings? Second, I give him 2 scoops of Cosequin (1 teaspoon each scoop) daily (1 in the morning, one in the evening). Is there any benefit to giving it in divided doses or is giving it all at one time better? Thank you for any information.
Dear SM,
Thanks for these two questions. They are ones I get a lot. Since you asked about a specific product, Cosequin, I decided to let a representative from Nutramax Laboratories provide the answer:
“Cosequin has no known contraindications. It has been evaluated in two safety studies in horses, including a study in which Cosequin ASU was given at up to 5 times maintenance levels for 84 days. This level provided 36 g glucosamine daily. In both safety studies no adverse effects on blood sugar levels or any clinically significant effects on any biochemical parameter were seen. In a study with human diabetics who were well-controlled, no effects were noted on long-term blood glucose control or on diabetes management. It is, however, always recommended that any overall plan include a consultation with a veterinarian.
It is fine to administer 2 scoops in one feeding if that is more convenient. There is no known difference in benefit between dividing the amount into two administrations or giving all at once.”
I hope this relieves any worries you may have!
Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director Dr. Lydia Gray has earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and a Master of Arts focusing on interpersonal and organizational communication. After “retiring” from private practice, she put her experience and education to work as the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s first-ever Director of Owner Education. Dr. Gray continues to provide health and nutrition information to horse owners through her position at SmartPak, through publication in more than a dozen general and trade publications, and through presentations around the country. She is the very proud owner of a Trakehner named Newman that she actively competes with in dressage and combined driving. In addition to memberships in the USDF and USEF, Dr. Gray is also a member of the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association (IDCTA). She is a USDF “L” Program Graduate and is currently working on her Bronze Medal. Find Dr. Gray on Google+
I give my horse 5cc of chondroprotec injections once a month but have been thinking about adding a joint supplement- are there any other products comparable to cosequin but more cost effective?
Hi Becca, thanks for asking! It’s great that you’re being proactive and comprehensive in supporting your horse’s joints! Cosequin is an excellent joint health supplement. It’s important to know that there is no generic version, and so there is not another product that would be comparable to that formula. If you have any additional questions, please always feel free to give our outstanding Customer Care Team a call at 1-800-461-8898. – SmartPaker Casey