The milk fat, double cream, as an effective anti-inflammatory in the treatment of acute laminitis – 2 case studies

by Open Science Repository Veterinary Medicine
(June 2013)

Abstract


Equine laminitis is a complex and potentially fatal metabolic disease and the number of cases has risen dramatically within the last two decades. Research has shown that the laminitic inflammatory response involves elevated levels of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, and thromboxane. Standard treatment with phenylbutazone is not always effective and can worsen the condition. One horse and one pony with acute laminitis were fed up to 3-5 tablespoons double cream mixed into a bran mash for between 5 days and 2 weeks. After 5 days the horse was sound at walk with only a slight near-fore limp at trot. He was turned out to grass and a few weeks later was completely sound. After 5 days the pony was walking more comfortably and her feet were cold. However, mild lameness persisted due to undiagnosed Cushing’s disease. This was treated with Pergolide and the pony became sound. This study indicates that the milk fat, double cream, is an effective anti-inflammatory in the treatment of acute laminitis, and could offer a safe, natural alternative to current drug-based therapies.

Keywords: Laminitis, double cream, anti-inflammatory, prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, thromboxane.

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The milk fat, double cream, as an effective anti-inflammatory in the treatment of acute laminitis – 2 case studies

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