Caring for horses is not as easy as many horseowners think. Especially for animals under heavy work, there are many factors that can contribute to problems. Equine athletes, such as racehorses or eventing stars, can develop debilitating and even life-threatening ulcers, for example. Equine inflammation management supplements can be of great benefit in both prevention and treatment.
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.
Horses in the wild eat grass around the clock, with short times out for resting. Horses in stalls, however, often have regular feeding times with periods of fasting in between, when they have eaten their hay and have to wait for more. Show or racing horses also need the concentrated energy and calories of grain, which make their systems more acidic than roughage does.
Horses need a plentiful and continuous supply of roughage. Chewing up grass or hay stimulates the flow of alkaline saliva, which balances the stomach acid which horses secrete (also on a continuous basis). The mass of roughage in the stomach protects the stomach lining from these acids, which can be harmful during hours-long periods of emptiness. Grain makes the system more acid and requires less chewing, as well.
This damage causes inflammation of the stomach wall, and eventually open sores - ulcers - form. Many experts think, as well, that all inflammation stems from the digestive tract. This means that improper feeding can be the original cause of muscle, leg, and foot problems. Just as humans address their arthritis with dietary changes and supplements, horseowners can take this approach, too.
Alfalfa hay is good for ulcers. However, be careful about feeding it to an animal which already has the condition. Make sure to choose very soft hay and remove any sharp stems or sticks which could perforate a weak spot in the stomach wall. It might be best to shake the hay vigorously and feed mainly the leaves if a serious problem already exists. Soaking alfalfa cubes to soften them and feeding them instead of hay is an option.
Keeping stall confinement to a minimum, or making it as stress-free as possible, can help. Horses are herd animals, so just being able to see other horses can reduce stress. Keeping a sick animal in familiar surroundings helps. Allowing a horse access to hay or grass at all times is important; if hay consumption must be limited, try one of the slow-feeder nets that make it impossible for the horse to grab a large mouthful.
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.
Horses in the wild eat grass around the clock, with short times out for resting. Horses in stalls, however, often have regular feeding times with periods of fasting in between, when they have eaten their hay and have to wait for more. Show or racing horses also need the concentrated energy and calories of grain, which make their systems more acidic than roughage does.
Horses need a plentiful and continuous supply of roughage. Chewing up grass or hay stimulates the flow of alkaline saliva, which balances the stomach acid which horses secrete (also on a continuous basis). The mass of roughage in the stomach protects the stomach lining from these acids, which can be harmful during hours-long periods of emptiness. Grain makes the system more acid and requires less chewing, as well.
This damage causes inflammation of the stomach wall, and eventually open sores - ulcers - form. Many experts think, as well, that all inflammation stems from the digestive tract. This means that improper feeding can be the original cause of muscle, leg, and foot problems. Just as humans address their arthritis with dietary changes and supplements, horseowners can take this approach, too.
Alfalfa hay is good for ulcers. However, be careful about feeding it to an animal which already has the condition. Make sure to choose very soft hay and remove any sharp stems or sticks which could perforate a weak spot in the stomach wall. It might be best to shake the hay vigorously and feed mainly the leaves if a serious problem already exists. Soaking alfalfa cubes to soften them and feeding them instead of hay is an option.
Keeping stall confinement to a minimum, or making it as stress-free as possible, can help. Horses are herd animals, so just being able to see other horses can reduce stress. Keeping a sick animal in familiar surroundings helps. Allowing a horse access to hay or grass at all times is important; if hay consumption must be limited, try one of the slow-feeder nets that make it impossible for the horse to grab a large mouthful.
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.
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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.
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