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Cause:
Equine Arthritis is a joint inflammation. The causes are many, impact trauma,
over work, infection, mineral or dietary deficiency, old age or poor
conformation. Specifically the areas liable to damage are the cartilage
lining the bone ends inside joints, the bone itself in the joint which
often calcifies causing a rough surface, the joint capsule, the synovial
membranes, the ligaments around joints and the synovial fluid that
lubricates the insides of joints. In very severe cases all structures are
affected. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is the term used for very severe
arthritis when the joint actually begins to break down.
Treatment:
Prevention being better than any cure horse owners should ensure the correct
balance of minerals, vitamins and trace elements from the very start of life
- in the womb - via the mare and thereafter throughout the animal's life.
Oils can also help in any case of stiff joints. Whether with arthritis or any
other ailment in mind a good balanced diet gives the best chance of having a
healthy long lived horse. Although many horses show signs of arthritis as
they get older, it is not inevitable but it is not impossible that some
genetic hereditary factor may be present.
Your vet will probably use Bute (phenylbutazone) to reduce the inflammation
which can get out of hand and can cause most of the pain. This is a two
edged sword as Bute can also cause other damage to the body such as the liver
and interfere with the inflammation which is part of the natural healing
process. Sodium hyaluronate and PSGAG can be injected direct into the joint
and DMSO can be rubbed in topically to help reduce inflammation.
PEGASUS HEALTH PRODUCTS
THAT CAN HELP:
Hoof Express
a natural Ayurvedic
herbal formula providing feed quality bio-available calcium, potassium,
magnesium and biotin, all the minerals and trace elements needed for the
formation and maintenance of bone & cartilage. Bio-availability is all
important as so much dietary calcium goes to waste as it cannot be absorbed
and utilized by the body.
Biotin+Z&M
improves bio-availability
of Limestone Flour and Straight Limestone Flour are also high in
calcium and the other elements required for bone & cartilage devlopment and
maintenance.
JointFree
another natural Ayurvedic
herbal formula designed to optimize mobility in joints and supports optimum
levels and quality of synovial fluid.
NatureBute
is the herb
Boswellia serrata, far more effective than Devil's Claw (but not as powerful
as veterinary analgesic drugs). Useful to optimize comfort levels when drugs
must be avoided or for long term use. It also optimizes blood circulation &
bloodflow to injured areas promoting optimum healing of damaged tissues.
MSM
Methyl Sulphonyl Methane
a natural sulphur which optimizes maintenance of cartilage, tendons &
muscles.
Glucosamine Sulphate &
HCL other
organic forms of sulphur as alternatives to MSM
Linseed, Soya & Cod Liver
Oils all
optimize natural joint flexibility at any age.
Cider Apple Vinegar
can optimize
decalcification of joints where necessary, mobility and flexibility
Straight Herbs -
Seaweed, Funugreek, Burdock root, Celery seed, Comfrey, Meadow Sweet and
Raspberry all
play a part in helping to maintain optimum flexibility - herbs are the
natural choice of horses in the wild.
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