Interview with veterinary surgeon to the Olympic team, Dr Björn Nolting
It is sensible, in Dr Björn Nolting’s opinion, to use Hyaluronic acid in the prevention and treatment of articular problems, under the condition that the preparation is professionally chosen and employed.
HYALURONIC ACID – PROVEN THERAPY IN NEW DEMAND
Hyaluronic Acid is the most important constituent in articular metabolism, an is thus a prerequisite in the recovery of inflamed articulations and tendons. For this reason, Hyaluronic Acid has been used for many years in the treatment of articular diseases in horses. Experiences and results of recent innovations are explained in an interview with Olympic Veterinary surgeon Dr Björn Nolting, Wellerwist.
Q : How do you assess the employment of Hyaluronic Acid in horses?
It is unthinkable to still ignore Hyaluronic Acid as an effective therapy in human as well as in veterinary medicine. Depending on the type of illness, it is injected directly either into the articulation or the bloodstream. Most recently, Hyaluronic Acid is also available as liquid monopreparation (www.vetvital.de), which can be administered via the feed as a nutritional supplement. We use this very successfully, not only in the case of already existing articular diseases, but also as a preventative measure.
Q: What is the difference between injecting Hyaluronic Acid and administering it via the feed?
The exact point at which the effect of Hyaluronic Acid takes place still remains unknown. Presumably, the organism of the body’s own production of Hyaluronic Acid is raised automatically when Hyaluronic Acid is introduced externally. And that functions both through injection and via the feed. We also like to combine the two. Liquid Hyaluronic Acid is added to the feed over several weeks in order to optimally support the treatment result after an injection.
Q: Is it not dangerous to inject Hyaluronic Acid into an articulation or the bloodstream?
Over the last few decades, very successful work has been achieved concerning the quality and purity of Hyaluronic Acid. In the very beginning, Hyaluronic Acid was still extracted from cock’s-comb and umbilical cord tissue, containing foreign proteins. Nowadays, Hyaluronic Acid is produced synthetically in its pure form, whereby defensive reactions have become very rare. Just as unobjectionable is the administration via the feed. But here quality must equally be absolutely respected. Our favourite preparation is Viequo Orthohyl, which is only available through a veterinary surgeon. Because only a nutritional supplement which really helps is worth the money spent.
Q: Do you believe that further developments are in the making?
At the moment the level is already very high. Maybe we will be able to talk about further innovations in another ten years. But meanwhile we are very well served with the currently available products. Especially since the alternative or combination of injection and nutritional supplement offers flexible possibilities.
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