In our last issue, we discussed some of the supplements that may be helpful to support horses with chronic pain. Available here.
With chronic pain syndrome, it’s important to support the horse in as many ways possible, frequently needing to do more than just a few things to help.
Veterinary care: At the top of the priority list is to seek adequate veterinary care. The vet may determine that there is an underlying cause, which may be treated. This is essential to achieving a positive outcome.
Hoof trim: If the hoof is unbalanced, the joints have abnormal stresses placed upon them. Over time, this may create joint and/or mobility issues. With today’s horse husbandry, most horses don’t self-trim, due to the amount they move and the nature of the terrain. A balanced hoof is important.
Exercise: One of the areas that is frequently overlooked is gentle movement. Unless your veterinarian suggests strict stall rest (such as after surgery, or during a laminitic episode), it’s important that your horse moves. Hand walking is a great way to enjoy quiet time with your horse, as well as getting gentle movement.
Use caution with “calming” agents: Studies have shown that reserpine can induce a fibromyalgia-like condition in rats and mice. When a horse needs to be calm due to extended stall rest, it’s important not to compound the situation with a drug that may cause musculoskeletal pain. Be sure to discuss this with your vet to collaborate on a suitable treatment plan.
Probiotics: Previously, we briefly mentioned that the microbiome can secrete molecules that affect the perception of pain. A healthy microbiota is important for digestive health, as well as hormone secretion that may affect the horse’s well-being.
Reduce sugars: When a horse experiences pain, it’s important to support the horse with a low sugar/starch diet. This may help support the horse by increasing the production of short chain fatty acids in the hindgut.
Magnesium: As a supplement, some people report that the addition of magnesium is helpful to support horses with chronic pain.
Vitamin D3: Horses that live in stalls with a hay or grain diet may not get sufficient vitamin D to meet their needs. Although this is important for all horses that live in stalls, it’s especially important to the horse with chronic pain.
Omega 3s: The horse’s native diet is to graze on fresh grass, which is high in omega 3s. When we feed hay to meet their nutritional needs, the omega 3s are frequently broken down. It may be helpful to supplement the horse’s diet with additional omega 3s.
Gently groom your horse: Horses with chronic pain frequently have body pain, which can occur from compensation due to protecting an injured body part. Gently grooming your horse, either with a soft brush, or with your hands, can be soothing to your horse.
Heat therapy: Chronic pain may be soothed by gentle heat. In the summer, this may mean that the horse enjoys basking in the sun. In the winter, when it’s cold, chronic pain may flair up. It may be helpful to protect a horse with chronic pain from cold-related stress. This may include blanketing, leg wraps, or even socks and boots, when necessary.
It’s difficult to see our horses in chronic pain. Using supporting methods may be soothing and helpful to the horse.
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