rheumatism sheep

Originally from: coleen
                        
Hi

Does anyone have any remedies for treating rheumatism in sheep.

Thanks
Coleen
                        

Originally from: mark purdey
                        
Hi Colleen,

I have always used cider vinegar for rheumatism in animals. The problem seems to stem from the growth of urate crystals in the joints, so maybe crystal inhibitors such as the sulphated proteoglycans ( sold as glucosamines in health
 food stores, but you need large doses for animals !! ) or magnesium sulphate or pyrophosphates would arrest the progession of the disease by inhibiting the growth of the crystals that are reponsible for this inflammatory condition. Ultrasound therapy might shatter the crystals...........

Adjustment to the Diet may have some influence, since I know that fodder grown with high inputs of nitrogen fertiliser can lead to the deposition of the excess urates ( generated by the high N ) in crystalline form. Obviously the damp weather is one of the most major prerequisites , which you cannot change – well unless global warming ( if it exists ) changes it for us.

Best,

Mark
                        

Originally from: coleen
                        
Hi Mark

Thank you for that much appreciated.

I use glucosamine for the dogs (so yes, the quantity for the Jacob girls would be huge)!! I will look at the other items mentioned though.

Thanks again
Coleen

Originally from: mark purdey
                        
Hi Colleen,

I wonder whether glucosamines appear as natural ingredient in some foods – seaweed perhaps ??. That might enable an affordable means of treatment !!

Best,

Mark
                        

Originally from: Joyce
                        
Coleen,
Synthovial 7 is used for humans and horses. It is very expensive by the bottle but you only need a small amount each day.
go to www.humanbodyrecon.com
the owner of the site, Janice, is very good at responding to e-mails. Joyce
                        

Originally from: mona parr
                        
Vet Vits currently have offer on Equiflex glucosamine chondroitin and manganese for horses 1tub to last average horse (500kg) 2months--£15.95 free postage www.vetvits.co.uk

Youwould need to check that the manganese content was not OTT for a sheep but quote the code BH-ZN (advert in British Horse magazine) if you decide to order