Natural Pain reliever?

Beth's query

My horse was thought to have stifle lameness, yesterday he had his x-rays and they think they have found the problem so the vet is coming to nerve block him to find out if that is where the pain is. Is there any supplement I could give him in his feed to ease the pain??? Preferably not bute! Look forward to hearing an answer! Beth

Hermione Ball MSc - Nutritionist at Natural Animal Feeds gives her reply.

Dear Beth,
The product you choose to use as a pain reliever really depends on the problem, and whether your horse is going to need long term treatment or not. Do not be afraid of using Bute if that is what your vet recommends. As a short course it is one of the fastest working pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Bute only becomes less desirable if you have to feed it for the rest of his life because there are a number of known side effects including liver damage, and more recent research which suggests it could have deleterious effects to joint cartilage. There are a number of well-known natural 'pain relievers' on the market. Products containing Devils Claw, such as NAF Devil's Relief, are some of the fastest working and the horse should start feeling more comfortable in about a week. The disadvantage of this product however, is that it will not contribute to repair of any damage. NAF Devils Relief also contains essential anti-oxidants that help to remove the free radicals that have built up in the stressed area. MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) goes one stage further as it is a bioavailable source of sulphur, one of the most important minerals for soft tissue in the body. Sulphur is vital for connective tissue and forms bridges that strengthen tendon and ligament fibres. You can not however just feed elemental sulphur because it is not well absorbed by the horse, unlike MSM. Other products like Superflex combine MSM with glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphate. This combination is most suitable for damaged joints as it provides specific nutrients for cartilage and joint fluid. To summarise, If the horse is in great pain and the vet is just recommending a short course of Bute I would follow this advice. However, if the cartilage has been damaged in the process, the Bute could be followed by a long-term course of Superflex (especially if the horse is in his teens and already exhibits wear and tear to the joints). Alternatively for stiffness and swelling choose Devils Relief as a short term course, or MSM if the problem is likely to be longer lasting but does not involve cartilage.

Hermione Ball MSc
Nutritionist, Natural Animal Feeds

Freephone advice line: 0800 373106

www.naf-uk.com

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