![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yourhorsefarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/her-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\u00a0And while bute does, indeed, reduce inflammation and increase comfort, there are several drawbacks to using this drug, especially on a regular basis.<\/p>\n
As an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), bute works by inhibiting a class of enzymes known as COX enzymes. In turn, this helps to reduce inflammation, but it can also adversely affect kidney function, intestinal lining, as well as blood cell production. If bute is used long-term, many horses develop gastro-intestinal ulcers or even kidney damage.<\/p>\n
The good news is that there are several safer alternatives, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Devil\u2019s Claw<\/b>(Harpagophytum procumbens)<\/span><\/i>contains high concentrations of a natural anti-inflammatory chemical is known as\u00a0harp<\/span>agoside. <\/span>This herbal remedy has painkilling properties and contains several antioxidants which can speed healing.<\/p>\n Important to note, however: If your horse is already dealing with gastric ulcers, Devil\u2019s Claw may not be your best choice as it may increase gastric secretions.<\/p>\n Turmeric<\/b>(also known as curcumin,\u00a0<\/i>the active ingredient in turmeric) comes from the underground stems of the plant,\u00a0Curcuma long and is a member of\u00a0the ginger family.\u00a0This culinary spice has been well studied in human medicine and has proven itself as an effective anti-inflammatory.<\/p>\n A word to the wise: Turmeric is best absorbed when combined with an omega 3 source (such as flaxseed oil) and piperine, an extract in black pepper.<\/span><\/p>\n Capsaicin Topical Cream\u00a0<\/b>is made with the same chemical compound that makes chili peppers hot. Capsaicin reduces inflammatio<\/span>n by depleting one of the chemical messengers that causes the sensation of pain. Human studies have shown that\u00a0capsaicin can effectively reduce pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, but capsaicin topical creams are also commonly used for animals.<\/p>\n A word of caution: Capsaicin can cause an unpleasant sensation when first applied and should never be used under wraps or on severely inflamed areas. Capsaicin creams are better suited for long-term issues such as arthritis.<\/p>\n Using bute on occasion won\u2019t adversely affect most horses, but it\u2019s always good to know some alternative options. What bute substitute have you tried?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a0And while bute does, indeed, reduce inflammation and increase comfort, there are several drawbacks to using this drug, especially on a regular basis. As an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), bute works by inhibiting a class of enzymes known as COX enzymes. In turn, this helps to reduce inflammation, but it can also adversely affect kidney…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":33450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-farm"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yourhorsefarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/supplement-curcumin-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/yourhorsefarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/iStock_000011161571XSmall1CayennePepper.jpg\")
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n