Friday, April 1, 2016

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 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.

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.

Like you and me, your horse is susceptible to inflammation merely by getting older and exercising. Living organisms are constantly exposed to background radiation, ultraviolet rays, bangs and knocks of everyday life and the constant threat of attack by viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic, pathogenic life forms. You can help keep your horse more comfortable by offering dietary supplements like those mentioned above. Be sure to seek the advise of your vet first.




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