Equine Inflammation Management Supplements Explained

By Angela Kennedy


The body's response to tissue damage or infection is called inflammation. Its function is to get rid of the cause of the injury and kick-start the healing process. There are four cardinal signs of inflammation. These are pain, redness, swelling, and decreased function of the affected area. The process can get out of hand and cause prolonged damage. Giving your horse equine inflammation management supplements can head off permanent damage and reduce discomfort.

Both the small blood vessels and two types of white blood cells, the neutrophils and monocytes, are involved in the process. The bore of the blood cells enlarges, which results in an increase in both the speed and volume of blood flowing to the scene of the accident. This explains the heat and redness. The blood vessels also become more permeable, promoting leakage of water and large proteins; this process causes the observed swelling.

While the blood vessels are leaking and dilating, the neutrophils and monocytes are escaping from the circulation and into the surrounding tissue. They adhere to dead or injured cells and engulf the cellular debris. Finally, they secrete chemicals that neutralize and effectively dissolve whatever it is they have engulfed. The white cells then undergo natural cell death in a process known as apoptosis.

Your horse doesn't have to suffer a major insult in order to have an inflammatory reaction. The normal processes of exercising and aging are sufficient. Horses are also susceptible to autoimmune conditions. When the cells of the immune system are functioning properly, they are able to distinguish between self-produced antigens and those of a potential invader. In autoimmune disease, this distinction breaks down and the immune cells begin to attack the body's own cells.

One example of an autoimmune condition that affects both horses and humans is fibromyalgia. At least six million Americans have been affected by this disease, which causes pain, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems and overwhelming fatigue. The equine version of FM and the human type are virtually the same.

Over a long time, inflammation can cause permanent tissue damage. Your vet may decide to prescribe one of several medications in order to keep your horse healthy. At the same time, you can provide the animal with nutritional supplements that can help to manage the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the inflammatory process. Devil's claw and yucca are often used, as are hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are often used by humans with osteoarthritis or other joint conditions. They are both building blocks of cartilage, which is a target for inflammatory damage. Hyaluronic acid acts as a joint lubricant. Yucca contains substances that inhibit the naturally-occurring microbes that promote inflammation. Devil's claw reduces swelling and hence helps to alleviate pain.

Your horse is vulnerable to the process of inflammation by its mere existence in this harsh world. By giving him nutritional supplements like those discussed above, you can help to keep him comfortable and reduce the likelihood of permanent tissue damage. Always consult your vet first before starting your horse on any additional new treatment.




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