Inflammation
The term inflammation refers to “the body’s response to an irritant, foreign substance, or injury.” Inflammatory cells, primarily white blood cells, quickly rush to the affected area to assist with healing. These cells work to surround and protect the area while combating infection, acting as the body’s own defence force. The outcome of this process includes swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
This inflammation signals the brain that the area cannot be used and must be safeguarded, leading to a loss of mobility. Inflammation is beneficial when it is short-term and aimed at healing and protecting the animal from further harm, known as acute inflammation.
Types of Inflammation
There are two primary forms of inflammation: acute and chronic.
Acute Inflammation arises from sudden injury or illness, such as an infection. It can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the condition and any applicable treatments.
Chronic Inflammation is often linked to poor nutrition, disease, and long-term illness. It may be more challenging to detect than acute inflammation. Symptoms of chronic inflammation can include:
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- Gastrointestinal inflammation
- Pain without heat or obvious swelling
- Skin issues
- Mood disorders
- Frequent infections
- Lack of desire to work under saddle
- Irritability and depression
- Allergies, and overall poor health
Chronic inflammation is associated with various conditions such as Equine Metabolic Disease, Arthritis, Laminitis, Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome, Recurrent Airway Obstruction, and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction.
The Role of Nutrition
Nutrition plays a significant role in equine health, often more than many owners realise. Feeding horses an improper diet, akin to human junk food or unsuitable pasture, can lead to chronic inflammation as the body reacts to these ingredients as if they are pathogens.
Highly processed, starch-rich feeds can diminish natural immunity within the digestive system, affecting the absorption and production of essential nutrients needed to combat pathogens. Horses require diversity in their plant consumption, as various plants offer beneficial elements such as:
- Antioxidants
- Polyphenols
- Flavonoids
- Carotenoids
- Fibre-fermenting bacteria
- Amino acids
However, common housing practices often limit the variety of plant species available in pastures. Many introduced plant species are more suited for beef production and not for horses. Overgrazed pastures may lack the nutritional value necessary for a horse's diet, and allowing horses to graze on long, lush pastures can also pose risks, particularly with grasses like Rye Grass, Clover, Kikuyu, or Tall Fescue, which may harbour mycotoxins and excess non-structural carbohydrates.
Hidden Inflammation
Inflammation isn't always visibly apparent on the horse's exterior. Low-grade and chronic inflammation can occur at a cellular level, putting the horse’s body in a constant state of combat. Once the body becomes overwhelmed and can no longer sustain this fight, disease may develop. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system, diminishing the horse's ability to resist illness.
A diet lacking in essential fatty acids (EFAs) or with poorly balanced EFAs can lead to inflammation. While Omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory and necessary in the diet, they must be balanced with appropriate levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Native grasses typically contain the correct ratios of Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9.
Diets heavily reliant on cooked grains may result in significant inflammation, often leading to skin issues and allergies. Additionally, being overweight alters the body's response to hormone metabolism, as fat cells produce pro-inflammatory substances that trigger the production of a protein complex known as Nuclear Factor-kappa B, which plays a crucial role in expressing inflammatory cytokines and mediators.
Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet
It is wonderful to see the current trend in feeding horses, is exactly what Hi Form have always advocated.
A balanced and anti-inflammatory diet provides a variety of plant fibres, including pastures, hay and hay cubes.
There is minimal grain provided, unless the horse has a demanding energy requirement (including workload or breeding status), and is free from unnatural ingredients.
Hi Form example feed for A 500kg horse in moderate work.
Access to pasture and/or hay 24/7.Choose low-sugar (safe) horse pasture and hay.
Alphafibre Equicubes 1kg
Alphafibre is low in non structural carbohydrates and high in fibre.
Oxydane 10g
Oxydane is an all-natural daily supplement containing amino acids, trace elements, vitamins and herbal extracts.The low dose rate fed alongside hay and cubes, proves the quality and utilisation rate of the ingredients.
Alphaflax Oil 50 ml
Alphaflax oil is pure cold-pressed flaxseed oil and contains the perfect ratio of Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9.It provides slow-release energy is excellent for gut health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Hi Form also has a range of treatment products such as Proflamaid Plus, Equigesic Plus, BioEquus, BioEquus Gold and Detox to assist horses who are already in an inflammatory state.
For a specific diet or treatment plan to suit your horse and your pasture, please contact us at enq@hiform.com.au.
Our information comes from practitioners who are qualified to advise you and is complimentary.
