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 major factor is that valuable athletes are often confined to stalls and fed large amounts of grain. They need the calories and energy grains provide, and horses often injure themselves during turn-out when they are 'high' from grain. However, this is a departure from what is natural for a horse. They are made to graze twenty-four hours a day and move around freely - and, for the most part, quietly.
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.
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.
Horses love the legume alfalfa, and feeding alfalfa hay is recommended for ulcers. The owner should be careful to find very soft hay, free of sharp sticks which can perforate a damaged intestinal wall. It might be wise to shake out the hay, so you're feeding mostly leaves, or to substitute soaked alfalfa cubes. These are good sources of roughage.
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 major factor is that valuable athletes are often confined to stalls and fed large amounts of grain. They need the calories and energy grains provide, and horses often injure themselves during turn-out when they are 'high' from grain. However, this is a departure from what is natural for a horse. They are made to graze twenty-four hours a day and move around freely - and, for the most part, quietly.
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.
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.
Horses love the legume alfalfa, and feeding alfalfa hay is recommended for ulcers. The owner should be careful to find very soft hay, free of sharp sticks which can perforate a damaged intestinal wall. It might be wise to shake out the hay, so you're feeding mostly leaves, or to substitute soaked alfalfa cubes. These are good sources of roughage.
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.
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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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