Chronic pain is difficult to cope with because of the numerous mechanisms involved. Major areas may include mitochondrial dysfunction, myelin sheath deterioration, increased transmission of pain signals, and errant feedback loops. Part of the difficulty in effectively supporting a horse with chronic pain is that you usually find more than one pain mechanism at work. However, out of all of these mechanisms, the only real question is, “How can I support my horse with chronic pain?”
Chronic pain takes time to develop. It’s defined as pain lasting three months or more. Long term pain rarely is successfully treated in a short period of time. During this extended period of time to develop, the nerve, or nerve pathway, physically changes. To support nerve restoration takes time.
Nutraceuticals have been used for years to help support a horse with chronic pain. It’s important to remember that it may take months to see that the support that you’ve given has been helpful.
In the last decade, scientific studies have shed light on some of the supplements that we can try, to support our horses with chronic pain. If you have a horse that is experiencing chronic pain, you may be interested in trying:
Acetyl L-Carnitine: One of the main mechanisms of action is to support the mitochondria, including the mitochondria in nerve cells. Recommended serving size is 10 grams for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Boswellia: One of the mechanisms of action of Boswellia is to support the mitochondria. This has been supportive in human studies of knee osteoarthritis and skeletal muscle pain. Recommended serving size of 65% Boswellia is 2 grams per day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Coenzyme Q10: Supports the cells at the mitochondria level. It is also helpful in humans for muscle support, nerve support, and even migraines. Recommended serving size is 800 mg per day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Devils Claw: Used extensively in osteoarthritis, due to reducing the inflammatory cytokines that accumulate within the joint. Recommended serving size is 2-9 grams per day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Mov-Ease: Is a proprietary blend of bioflavonoids, which helps downregulate the pain response. Recommended serving size is 3 grams once or twice a day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Quercetin: In humans, this has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits. It is also helpful for those suffering from chronic inflammation. Recommended serving size is 2-5 grams once or twice a day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Ultra-micronized PEA: PEA is created in every cell in the body. The small size of the ultra-micronized PEA has enhanced absorption. This is supportive of many different types of pain. However, studies have shown that extended treatment is usually necessary, of at least 60 days. Recommended serving size is 2.5-5 grams per day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Other supplements that you can try:
Luteolin: In humans, this has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits. In addition, it has been shown to be supportive in horses with Lyme disease. Recommended serving size is 1.5 grams once a day for a 1,000 lb horse.
Resveratrol: Resveratrol 98% is an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, which can help a horse’s sense of well-being. Recommended serving size is 350 – 1400 mg per day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Turmeric: Turmeric EX contains 95% curcuminoids. Many people find this helpful for their horse, despite reportedly poor absorption. Recommended serving size is 1-2 grams once or twice a day for a 1,000 lb. horse.
Some people find that using more than one nutraceutical may be helpful. Examples might be:
» Mov-ease + Ultra-micronized PEA
» Devils Claw + Turmeric
» Acetyl L-Carnitine + Ultra-micronized PEA
» Mov-ease + Acetyl L-Carnitine + Ultra-micronized PEA
Additional strategies that can be used in conjunction with nutraceuticals will be addressed in the next newsletter.
We do the best we can for our horses. With the advancement of knowledge, we now have some tools to help support our horses with chronic pain.
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 2024