Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Lisa,
True, HA does reduce joint inflammation but it is not a COX enzyme inhibitor, like many NSAIDs. Instead, it reduces inflammation by becoming part of tissues (connective tissue and joint synovial fluid, in the case of joints).
However, if your horse is exhibiting digestive problems after consuming HA, I would suggest discontinuing it. He may be particularly sensitive to it or perhaps some other inactive ingredient in the LubriSyn.
You might try a different joint supplement that contains HA and see if it makes a difference. If it does not bother your horse, then it's not the HA but rather another ingredient in LubriSyn.
Keep me posted.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
The reason I suspect the LubriSyn (HA) causing the GI tract problems is because this is the second time this horse has developed problems after being on the LubriSyn about four months, two different times. Isn't hyaluronic acid considered an anti-inflammatory and wouldn't it be similar to NSAID on the GI tract?
Thanks
Lisa
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO