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.
Experts estimate that as many as 80% of horses under demanding workloads have ulcers. It's easy to see that this problem is not to be underestimated. As with every other health issue, prevention is much better than trying to effect a cure. Understanding how diet works to prevent ulcers is important.
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.
When a horse grazes, it chews the roughage and mixes it with alkaline saliva. In order to digest the constant supply of roughage, the horse secretes stomach acid continually. This is good when roughage is always available but can cause problems when it is limited. When there is no protective mass of roughage in the stomach, the acids can damage the intestinal lining.
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.
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.
Experts estimate that as many as 80% of horses under demanding workloads have ulcers. It's easy to see that this problem is not to be underestimated. As with every other health issue, prevention is much better than trying to effect a cure. Understanding how diet works to prevent ulcers is important.
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.
When a horse grazes, it chews the roughage and mixes it with alkaline saliva. In order to digest the constant supply of roughage, the horse secretes stomach acid continually. This is good when roughage is always available but can cause problems when it is limited. When there is no protective mass of roughage in the stomach, the acids can damage the intestinal lining.
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.
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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