Application of an oral supplement containing glycosaminoglycans in horses with degenerative joint disease

The effectiveness of an oral supplement containing glycosaminoglycans for t he treatment of degenerative joint disease on horses has been evaluated by the present controlled clinical and randomised double blind study. 37 horse s with chronic or chronically recurring lameness were included in this stud y All horses suffered from degenerative joint disease evaluated by clinical and radiological examination. The classification into two radiographic gro ups was made according to serious radiological findings of the joint which was responsible for the lameness. An improvement of lameness among horses h aving received the original supplement compared to those having received th e placebo could be observed either for all horses or within the radiographi c group 1. However no statistical significance was found.