jeudi 31 mars 2016

Equine Inflammation Management Supplements Explained

By Angela Kennedy


When tissue is injured by heat, chemicals, or mechanical damage, or it is infiltrated by microorganisms like bacteria or viruses, it triggers an immune response known as inflammation. This process removes the cause of the injury and facilitates the process of healing. There are four cardinal signs of inflammation: pain, heat, redness, and loss of function. While it is a necessary process, it can go wild and cause permanent damage. Equine inflammation management supplements can be used to make your horse more comfortable and stop the process from causing long-term damage.

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.

Along with changes in the caliber and permeability of the blood vessels, the white blood cells are doing their own thing. Some of the white cells leave the circulation and stick to the blood vessels in the affected area. They work their way outside the blood vessels and into the surrounding fluid, where they adhere to dead or injured cells. The cells then wrap themselves around the debris and neutralize it by secreting 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.

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.

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 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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