Skin : Lumps And Bumps
Urticaria or ‘hives,’ as it is more commonly known, is the term given to describe raised bumps on the skin. Whilst the specific cause of the urticaria can be hard to diagnose, the condition can be more frequently experienced during the spring and summer months, when potential irritants such as insects, plants and pollen are more prevalent.
Allergen-specific antibodies (IgE) bind to the surface of mast cells and cause sensitivity, which cause a release in substances that evoke an inflammatory response. This leads to the formation of edemas (fluid swelling) or plaques and possible itching of the skin. Most reactions will develop quickly and resolve in a matter of days, whereas chronic and persistent cases can last for weeks or months and require further veterinary attention.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the inflammatory process. Rich in DHA and EPA, these long-chain fatty acids inhibit the activity of enzymes which are responsible for inflammation, and research has found that horses supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids show a reduction in inflammatory markers. Omega-3 fatty acids are therefore often recommended to provide additional support for horses suffering with skin complaints, such as hives. These fatty acids cannot be made by the horse and therefore have to be supplied in the diet. It has been shown that diets high in omega 3 fatty acids can help to increase the elasticity of the skin cells, which is of great benefit for horses that are suffering from forms of skin irritation. EO.3 is a more readily available source of omega-3’s to the horse than linseed or vegetable oil is and is therefore more effective.
Several studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research and other research institutions have shown that horses are not efficient at converting alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a short-chain omega-3 fatty acid, into the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Providing a direct source of the long-chain, omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is necessary to significantly increase body levels of both EPA and DHA and confer health benefits. The omega 3 oil that is in fish oil is already in the form the horse can use so does not need to be converted, making it more bio-available.
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