Question
My gelding is on long-term stall rest for a ruptured medial stifle ligament. What do you recommend for support of healing soft tissues and associated inflammation and, of course, for prevention of gastric ulcers from the pain medication phenylbutazone (bute)?
Answer
Several health concerns should be addressed during your horse’s recovery. Lack of free-choice exercise and concussive force on bone during stall rest leave horses prone to bone demineralization. Although your gelding has a soft tissue injury, any horse with bone demineralization can be at risk for skeletal issues in the future. Kentucky Equine Research studied this topic and developed a supplement specifically to offset the bone demineralization that occurs when young horses go into training or when mature horses are put on stall rest. DuraPlex contains the necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein sources to support healthy bone. The protein sources work to slow bone destruction and enhance bone collagen production.
Because your gelding is on phenylbutazone, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it is wise to protect his digestive tract during stall rest. RiteTrac is a total digestive tract buffer and contains an effective combination of ingredients that coat the stomach wall and buffer gastric acid. In addition, RiteTrac features a time-released buffer to support hindgut health. The hindgut buffer promotes optimal fiber digestion and balances the pH to create a healthy environment for the microbial population.
Once he is getting some turnout or light exercise, your gelding can most likely be transitioned from these products to a combined bone and digestion supplement. The pelleted supplement Triacton provides over 15 g of calcium per serving as well as an array of other bone-building nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, iodine, manganese, and vitamins A, C, D, and K. The product features a marine-derived calcium source that is highly digestible and has been shown to improve bone density in performance horses of all ages. Triacton also offers some digestive buffering, which is ideal for use prior to exercise when acid splash creates a risk of ulcers in performance horses. Horses with a history of ulcers can remain on RiteTrac for more comprehensive digestive support.
Reducing inflammation is an important part of the program during recovery. EO-3, an omega-3 supplement, delivers high levels of DHA and EPA to buttress the body’s natural healing processes on several levels by supporting bone health, mediating inflammatory processes, and boosting immune function. The anti-inflammatory properties of marine-derived omega-3s also benefit joints.
If your horse does not have access to grass at any time during his convalescence, a natural-source vitamin E supplementation should also be considered. Nano-E is a nanodispersed liquid form of vitamin E ideal for horses recovery from injury.
