The unnatural lifestyle of many sport horses can cause intestinal problems like colic, poor absorption of nutrients, and ulcers. Racehorses and top show jumpers or eventing horses have ulcers more often than not. This affects total health as well as performance, so owners and trainers cannot afford to ignore this problem. Equine inflammation management supplements can really help in both prevention and alleviation.
When as many as 80% of animals examined by vets have this problem, it makes prevention vital. It's always easier to keep a condition from developing rather than trying to deal with it once it occurs. Horseowners need to understand how a horse's system works and what causes problems that are becoming routine.
A horse is designed to consume roughage constantly. Horses in the field graze almost all the time, although they take some time out for sleeping. Horses under work, however, many eat more grain than hay. They require more calories and energy that is normal for a horse, and grain is the only way to satisfy this need. However, when hay or pasture is limited, this can cause problems.
The animal needs a constant supply of roughage for two reasons. One, the act of chomping on grass or hay causes saliva to be excreted, and a horse's saliva is alkaline. This naturally balances the stomach acid which is produced around the clock. Roughage in the stomach also acts as a protection for the stomach lining, the mucosa, which can be damaged or even perforated by the acid, or in other words injured by an ulcer.
Many health authorities believe that all inflammation begins in the digestive tract. Ulcers are caused by inflammation stemming from damage to the intestinal wall. Anti-inflammatory drugs, which are often prescribed for equine athletes, can worsen ulcers. Supplements that prevent or alleviate digestive problems, arthritis, muscle and joint soreness, and lameness are much safer.
Alfalfa is a healthy herb, sold as tea, tablets, or powder in health food stores. Horses love alfalfa hay and will eat it readily. Owners and trainers should make sure there are no sharp sticks in the hay, which can perforate weak spots in the stomach lining. An option is to rely on soaked alfalfa cubes to add this nutrition and bulk to the horse's diet.
Stress reduction is vital. Horses are herd animals and should be turned out with others or at least kept in a stall where they can see other horses. Research shows that horses do best without radios being left on and without lights on at night. Minerals are calming and should be supplemented if pasture or hay is deficient. Familiar surroundings are important, and horses that travel to shows are under additional stress. If hay consumption must be limited, 'slow-feeder' nets can minimize times when no roughage is available.
Anti-inflammatory herbs that help alleviate muscle, joint, and foot pain are often great digestive aids, too. Tumeric and boswellia, which work on pain and swelling, are often recommended for intestinal disorders. All horsemen should know how the horse's system operates and how to keep it in good working order.
When as many as 80% of animals examined by vets have this problem, it makes prevention vital. It's always easier to keep a condition from developing rather than trying to deal with it once it occurs. Horseowners need to understand how a horse's system works and what causes problems that are becoming routine.
A horse is designed to consume roughage constantly. Horses in the field graze almost all the time, although they take some time out for sleeping. Horses under work, however, many eat more grain than hay. They require more calories and energy that is normal for a horse, and grain is the only way to satisfy this need. However, when hay or pasture is limited, this can cause problems.
The animal needs a constant supply of roughage for two reasons. One, the act of chomping on grass or hay causes saliva to be excreted, and a horse's saliva is alkaline. This naturally balances the stomach acid which is produced around the clock. Roughage in the stomach also acts as a protection for the stomach lining, the mucosa, which can be damaged or even perforated by the acid, or in other words injured by an ulcer.
Many health authorities believe that all inflammation begins in the digestive tract. Ulcers are caused by inflammation stemming from damage to the intestinal wall. Anti-inflammatory drugs, which are often prescribed for equine athletes, can worsen ulcers. Supplements that prevent or alleviate digestive problems, arthritis, muscle and joint soreness, and lameness are much safer.
Alfalfa is a healthy herb, sold as tea, tablets, or powder in health food stores. Horses love alfalfa hay and will eat it readily. Owners and trainers should make sure there are no sharp sticks in the hay, which can perforate weak spots in the stomach lining. An option is to rely on soaked alfalfa cubes to add this nutrition and bulk to the horse's diet.
Stress reduction is vital. Horses are herd animals and should be turned out with others or at least kept in a stall where they can see other horses. Research shows that horses do best without radios being left on and without lights on at night. Minerals are calming and should be supplemented if pasture or hay is deficient. Familiar surroundings are important, and horses that travel to shows are under additional stress. If hay consumption must be limited, 'slow-feeder' nets can minimize times when no roughage is available.
Anti-inflammatory herbs that help alleviate muscle, joint, and foot pain are often great digestive aids, too. Tumeric and boswellia, which work on pain and swelling, are often recommended for intestinal disorders. All horsemen should know how the horse's system operates and how to keep it in good working order.
About the Author:
You can get a summary of important factors to keep in mind when choosing a supplier of equine inflammation management supplements at http://www.naviculardisease.com right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment