Monday, March 28, 2016

Does Your Horse Need Equine Inflammation Management Supplements

By Angela Kennedy


The inflammatory response is an immune system reaction to invading microorganisms. It also occurs following tissue injury. The purpose of inflammation is to eliminate the cause of the tissue injury, remove damaged cells, and begin the healing process. The symptoms of inflammation are redness, pain, heat, loss of function, and swelling. It is possible to have too much of a good thing; more animals (including humans) die from inflammatory disease more than any other disease process. Equine inflammation management supplements may help temper the response before it causes permanent damage.

Both white blood cells, also known as leucocytes, and the small blood vessels are involved in this process. The diameter of the venules, arterioles, and capillaries becomes dilated, allowing increased blood flow to the affected area. This is how inflammation causes heat and redness. That is not the only change to the blood vessels, however. They also increase in permeability, allowing for the outward flow of both water and large proteins. This explains the observed swelling associated with the process.

As well as changes in the blood vessels, the white cells depart the circulation and adhere to the blood vessels in the injured area. They winkle their way outside the circulation and stick to dead or injured tissue. They then engulf the cellular debris and zap it with chemicals.

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.

Fibromyalgia is an autoimmune disease that is working its way through increasing numbers of adults. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with FM; a great many more remain undiagnosed. The symptoms of this disease include fatigue, intestinal disorders, sleep disturbances, bone-crushing fatigue, and debilitating pain.

If inflammation goes on to long, it can cause permanent damage and serious discomfort for your horse. If this occurs, your vet may prescribe a number of different medications. You, too, can help. There are nutritional supplements out there like devil's claw, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, yucca and hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid has the ability lubricate joints to reduce pain and improve function. Chondroitin sulfate and glocosamine are both ingredients in cartilge. Yucca contains a number of different chemicals, such as saponins, that suppress the intestinal parasites that contribute to inflammation, as well as free radical scavengers and antioxidants. Devil's claw contains chemicals that help to reduce pain and swelling.

Your horse is subject to inflammation merely by the processes of everyday life. You can prevent long-term damage and reduce pain by offering nutritional supplements like those described above. Always consult your vet before trying anything new.




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