We’ve read the articles about anti-inflammatories, but what are they? And how can they help my horse? The short answer is that anti-inflammatories help reduce inflammation or the molecules that can cause inflammation.
◆︎ Inflammation:
Inflammation of the skin is characterized by redness, pain, and swelling. Inflammation within the body can have similar effects, or more subtle effects which may only be evident on a cellular level. It’s caused by signaling molecules that notify the body that danger lurks. The signaling molecules send in immune cells or other signaling molecules to disable foreign pathogens, destroy injured tissue, or disable any other dangers.
This is great, in that it protects our body and is the first step in healing. After this first step, the body turns to promoting healing of those tissues. It is one of the body’s primary defense mechanisms.
However, there are instances where the inflammation becomes chronic and continues to attack the tissues, or fails to promote healing after the initial response.
One of the problems with inflammation is that it may have a deleterious effect on tissues at the cellular level that we cannot see. Examples of this might be inappropriate pain signaling, damage to organs (such as iron accumulation in the liver), or damage to the nervous system (think Lyme disease or EPM). In these instances, we may seem slow to respond to the horse’s infirmity because we can’t readily see it.
◆︎ What are some examples of the things that can trigger inflammation?
☛ Infections: Bacteria, viruses, parasites, insect bites.
☛ Injuries: Cuts, bruises, torn ligaments or tendons
☛ Environmental toxins: pollutants, toxins, allergens, smoke particles in the air
☛ Chronic disease: arthritis, PPID, insulin resistance
☛ Inappropriate diet: Not addressing the dietary needs of a horse with special needs may cause inflammation. Examples may be high sugar/starch diet in a horse with insulin resistance, feeding alfalfa (high potassium) to a horse with HYPP, or supplements with high levels of iron or heavy metals.
Obviously, there are a myriad of things that can trigger inflammation. In many instances, there is nothing we need to do to help the horse. However, when inflammation is ongoing or becomes chronic, addressing the inflammation may be helpful.
◆︎ What are some of the supplements that may help reduce inflammation in the horse?
➡ Mov-Ease
➡ Spirulina powder or tablets
➡ MSM
➡ Hyaluronic acid: Especially high molecular weight
◆︎ More supplements that may help reduce inflammation
➡ CoQ10
There are additional supplements that may help reduce inflammation, but those are amongst the most popular. Some of the supplement combinations may be helpful to support a horse with specific conditions. Examples are:
Breathing support commonly includes: Spirulina, Mov-Ease, MSM, and N-Acetyl Cysteine
Arthritis support commonly includes: Mov-Ease, Hyaluronic acid, and MSM
◆︎ When your horse needs more support:
There are instances where supplementation isn’t sufficient to reduce inflammation. Consult with your veterinarian for medical treatment. He/she may recommend treatments which may include phenylbutazone (bute), banamine, firocoxib, or even a corticosteroid. Your veterinarian can work with you to develop a treatment plan.
We do the best that we can for our horses. Understanding inflammation is a part of that.
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Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
©Joan Kulifay 2025