inflammation

Joint Techno

Inflammation & Health

When you hear the word “inflammation”, the most common image is one of redness, swelling and pain.  Maybe a sprained ankle, tendon or even a blister.  While this is true for one form when view externally, it doesn’t always hold true.  Pain is a common association with inflammation, but doesn’t always have to be present for the inflammatory process to impact health on many levels.  Sometimes, it is like a smoldering fire, out of normal view, contributing to many health conditions in people, pets and horses.

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Laminitis in Horses; Utilizing Cur-OST Formulas to Aid in Recovery

Laminitis in horses has been proposed to be one of the most common causes of euthanasia in horses next to colic.  The condition comes about due to a variety of factors with some horses being more predisposed than others and the condition has varying levels of presentation in terms of severity.  Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves why the condition occurs, what is going on at a cellular level and what can we do better to manage the problem and improve the outcome for the patient?  In my many years of managing laminitis, I have found that the outcomes are best when we address the needs of the patient through nutritional type of resources, which I believe aid in better long term management and often improved overall health.  Here is my approach when it comes to laminitis in horses for optimal outcomes.

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Curcumin. The Power House of Health Protection for People and Animals

Curcumin, the “Indian Solid Gold” is one of the most cherished spices in the world.  Health is something we all take for granted, but did you know that Curcumin taken daily can bring about dramatic health changes for the positive?  Whether if you suffer from chronic joint pain, lower back pain or overall stiffness, benefits can be seen.  In horses, we battle with joint deterioration, back complaints and overall unsoundness, chasing these conditions with expensive remedies combating something that could be better managed from another standpoint.  Even in horses, dramatic changes can be evident, often creating confusion as to how something so simple can have such far reaching effects.  Pets are no different, suffering from the same clinical maladies that affect humans.  They too can benefit immensely, restoring healthy, vitality and a quest for life.  So, why is this herb so wonderful?

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Joint Therapies in the Horse. Compliance and Effectiveness

Osteoarthritis is a disease affecting all species and can affect almost any joint in the body.  The condition affects up to 70% of the humans, upwards of 60% of pets dependent on breed and approximately 70% of horses dependent on age and use.  It is a debilitating problem, causing not only pain and discomfort, but decreased range of motion, loss of use and decreased quality of life, not to mention decreased performance for the athlete.  The question comes as to how to best manage this condition with our eyes set on prevention.

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Common Eye Conditions in the Horse

Eye conditions in the horse are extremely common, unfortunately, with many of them being traumatic in origin.  The majority of equine eye or opthalmic conditions are considered emergencies not only due to potential loss of eye sight, but also due to potential secondary complications.  Let’s review the most common conditions affecting the horse as well as some not so common situations, as well as discuss treatment options.

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It’s About the Whole Horse

In today’s equine world, there is so much focus on joint health and conditioning, that we tend to forget about the bigger picture.  As a veterinarian, I see so much over use, almost bordering on abuse, of various pharmaceutical medications and equine joint supplements.  So many people use them, that at times, I wonder if we are actually trying to manage a condition or more so if the increased use is more to follow what another is doing, almost making it a trend without purpose.  Now, I will be honest and say that many of these equine supplements and medications can prove useful in certain situations, but overall, I feel they are being overused at times, trying to accomplish things they were never intended to do.

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Equine Conformation and Impact on Soundness

Proper conformation in the horse is vital to athletic performance, but it doesn’t always have to be a limiting factor.  In my years of practicing veterinary medicine and performing pre-purchase examinations, I have yet to encounter a ‘perfect’ horse in terms of conformation by book definition.  Every horse is an individual with conformation often based on genetics passed on from dam or sire.  We have to accept things for the way they are, understand that there will be some limitations but also that certain flaws will predispose more to injuries.  We can try to minimize these occurrences, but an understanding as to why they happen is important.

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