Longevity is a craftable item in the game. Users trained in the Pharmaceutical Sciences stream can craft it using psGAGs, pentosan and hyaluronic acid.
Course Article
Improving Soundness
Performance horses are very susceptible to developing osteoarthritis in their joints, just due to wear and tear of competition life. Osteoarthritis in horses is often managed with joint injections or other products aimed at improving the function of joints to restore soundness. Typically, horses with osteoarthritis get injections 1-3 times per year as a routine maintenance procedure.
One of the most common products injected into joints is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a compound that is normally synthesized by the joint capsule. Injection of HA helps improve the lubrication in the joint, to help prevent further damage to the joint cartilage. Hyaluronic acid can also be given into a vein, to have an effect on multiple joints.
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (psGAGs) are another product commonly used for osteoarthritis cases. This product is most commonly administered by injection into the muscle for a widespread effect, but can also be injected into joints. PSGAGs are normally produced in the joint to help with cartilage repair. By providing more PSGAGs, you can help maximize the amount of repair possible.
A newer drug on the market, pentosan polysulfate, has been shown to be helpful in osteoarthritis cases. It can be given orally, into the muscle, into a vein or injected into joints. Pentosan works by stimulating production of proteoglycans, which is a component of joint cartilage. Because one of the main effects of osteoarthritis is loss of proteoglycans, pentosan can help reverse these effects and restore strength to the joint.
In Oxer to Oxer, the above drugs have been combined in a product called Longevity. Longevity gives horses a small soundness boost, so they can continue their careers for a limited amount of time. Horses can be given Longevity once per game year. This is a good way to get more competitions out of your older horses, particularly geldings that won't have a breeding career!
1. Marcella, K. Research points to pentosan polysulfate to treat equine osteoarthritis. DVM 360, 2012. https://www.dvm360.com/view/research-points-pentosan-polysulfate-treat-equine-osteoarthritis
2. Espy, B. Lameness and Joint Medications. American Association of Equine Practitioners, 2016. https://aaep.org/horsehealth/lameness-joint-medications