Joints Under Pressure
A flexible, pain-free athlete is a winning athlete. Appropriate levels of synovial fluids in the joints allow equine athletes to attain the smooth, energetic action demanded of hard-working performance horses. Over time, however, wear and tear on the joints, especially in the legs, causes a breakdown in the synovial fluid viscosity that lubricates and helps to cushion pressure on bones, cartilage and ligaments. Normally, the body produces enough hyaluronic acid to replace and sustain synovial fluid as needed. However, with age and the ongoing strain of demanding athletic endeavors, fluid levels often decrease. Bones begin to rub together, and cartilage and ligaments may be damaged.
Maintaining Healthy Joints
In the past, horse owners and trainers had few choices but to wait until their horses exhibited signs of pain and discomfort before seeking veterinary attention. Upon proper diagnosis, the most common treatment included injections of hyaluronic acid administered by the veterinarian directly into the affected joint or joints. Although highly effective, such injections are expensive, can be inconvenient and carry some risk. Furthermore, injection treatments often are given only after the joint has suffered enough damage that pain becomes apparent. Now, owners and trainers can get a jump start on prolonging joint health by administering hyaluronic acid orally to their horses using Hagyard Flex-tra 200®.
The Power of Flex-tra 200®
Developed by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky, Flex-tra 200® contains Hyaluronic Acid 200 mg, Chondroitin Sulfate (Poultry) 2000mg, Methylsulfoany/methane (MSM) 2000 mg, and Glucosamine (Shellfish) 2000 mg. Flex-tra 200® is available in liquid and pellet form.
All Horses May Benefit
Experience has shown that hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin are very useful in maintaining healthy joint cartilage and tissues. When used as directed, Flex-tra 200® is safe and beneficial for your horse. The key ingredients in Flex-tra 200® have been clinically proven to improve joint mobility in horses in a double blind study at Michigan State University. The ease of oral administration of this palatable liquid or pellet form, means any horse can benefit from a carefully-planned health regimen that includes Flex-tra 200®. By maintaining appropriate synovial joint fluid viscosity, even some horses under intensive exercise programs may never experience the damage and pain caused by lack of fluid and the resulting joint strain. Thus, these talented athletes are able to stay on the track, in the hunt and eventing fields, on the ranch, and in the show ring performing at the peak of their abilities over extended periods of time. All joints benefit from the oral treatment available with Flex-tra 200®, as it helps to maintain synovial fluid levels throughout the horse’s body.
Hagyard’s Record of Excellence
For more than 130 years, Hagyard veterinarians have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse. Since the firm’s inception, these veterinarian members of Hagyard-Davidson-McGee (now more than 60 strong) have been instrumental in the development and refinement of countless equine veterinary procedures, medications and healthcare products. Hagyard Pharmacy (HDM Pharmacy, LLC) plays a vital and unique role in the continuum of superior care. Over time, Hagyard Pharmacy has proven to be a leader in providing the equine industry with the highest quality pharmaceuticals, health products, surgical supplies and prescription compounding services. Now, with the introduction of Flex-tra 200®, horse owners and trainers alike may have complete confidence in the quality and effectiveness of an oral application of this popular joint therapy.
