The instant invention provides a method of treating or preventing osteoarthritis,
joint effusion, joint inflammation and pain, synovitis, lameness, post operative
arthroscopic surgery, deterioration of proper joint function including joint mobility,
the reduction or inhibition of metabolic activity of chondrocytes, the activity
of enzymes that degrade cartilage, the reduction or inhibition of the production
of Hyaluronic acid, said method comprising orally administering to a mammalian
species a therapeutically effective amount of Hyaluronic Acid or pharmaceutically
acceptable salts thereof. Additionally, compositions containing hyaluronic acid;
chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine sulfate in a paste formulation are also disclosed
which can be administered on their own or can be used as a feed additive.
