Invigorating Your Horse by Controlling Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation has become a hot topic in human and veterinary medicine, making connections with a host of health conditions affecting us all.  The process itself is quite complex but involves not only a cellular component with the ongoing release of pro-inflammatory mediators, but also the release of free radicals which are responsible for cellular damage.

Reduced inflammation = Livelier horses

Reduced inflammation = Livelier horses

We can improve health, improve recovery, reduce pain and control the inflammation in horses associated with a host of equine medical conditions.

So what contributes to ongoing inflammation?  There are many factors including:

  • Diet
  • Excessive exercise
  • Stress
  • Environmental Influences
  • Lifestyle Factors
  • Certain pharmaceutical medications
  • Genetics

The list is long, but in the end, we are all susceptible to the damage inflicted by an ongoing inflammatory response.  Acute inflammation is a good thing and is a necessary part of healing and repair.  In general, after the wound is healed or the infection resolved, the acute inflammatory process resolves. 

The problem comes when the inflammation is ongoing or furthered due to factors mentioned above.  Chronic inflammation can be viewed as a glowing pile of embers in the background, holding back optimum health.  When certain factors are added to the mix, this pile of embers can become a raging fire, leading to massive tissue destruction, predisposition to injury and delayed healing.

Chronic inflammation cannot be eliminated as we don't have control over all the contributing factors, especially in horses.  We try our best to provide the best quality hay, grain and environment, but still the problem continues. Pain may persist, wounds fail to heal, lameness issues fail to resolve or improve, tendons fail to mend, performance is impacted and maybe infections become more of a problem. 

Common equine health conditions associated with ongoing inflammation include:

  • Metabolic Syndrome/ Insulin Resistance
  • Joint deterioration/arthritis
  • Laminitis
  • Navicular Syndrome
  • COPD/ IAD
  • Tendon Injury
  • Uveitis
  • Myopathies
  • EIPH
  • Poor Hoof and Skin Health
  • Allergies

The good news is that we can improve the situation!  We can improve health, improve recovery, reduce pain and control the inflammation associated with a host of equine medical conditions. 

Herbs have been researched for decades and used for centuries to reduce inflammation, pain and improve overall health.  Curcumin, Boswellia, Ashwaghanda, mushroom polysaccharides and a host of others have demonstrated marked abilities to modulate the inflammatory response through down regulation of the NF-kB transcription factor as well as upregulation of NRF2 transcription factor.

NF-kB down regulation results in the decreased expression and release of pro-inflammatory protein such as COX enzymes, interleukins and various MMP's, which all contribute to cellular destruction.  Upregulation of NRF2 transcription factor results in an enhancement of the bodies natural ability to produce antioxidants such as glutathione, which protect cells against oxidative stress damage.

Cur-OST® all natural anti-inflammatories for horses are the only proprietary formula using a blend of herbal anti-inflammatories that have been shown to down regulate NF-kB as well as up regulate NRF2.  Our Cur-OST® formulas are created by Tom Schell, D.V.M. after years of clinical research with the goal of improving health for his patients.

Our formulas utilize one of the most bioavailable forms of Curcumin (BCM-95) in conjunction with other potent anti-inflammatory herbs and antioxidants. Cur-OST®  formulas are research supported and clinically utilized for over 6 years with incredible results.  We don't just utilize one herb, but our formulas take advantage of herb and antioxidant synergism to reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative stress and enhance immune health!

When chronic inflammation is reduced, the results can be remarkable! In a recent survey, over 50% of our Cur-OST® customers indicated a marked improvement while 30% indicated a moderate response, often times in less than 2 weeks!

Reduce inflammation today to improve your horse's overall health, reduce inflammation and pain and enhance recovery!

Visit www.curost.com to view our complete product line today!

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

Author picture

As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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