July 14, 2013 – In response to the limited supply and increased costs of products to treat equine osteoarthritis, and a growing movement by consumers toward natural therapies as opposed to “traditional” medications, Absorbine has a suite of products to help actively manage equine pain relief and encourage recovery. Spanning several of its brands, these products include both topical treatments and supplements.
At the cornerstone of the program is B-L Comfort & Recovery Support, which helps ease the aches and discomfort associated with your horse’s daily exercise. B-L is so named because of its “bute-less” formula; in other words, it doesn’t contain phenylbutazone (bute) or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Instead, B-L contains Devil’s Claw, a plant reported to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. B-L also contains Yucca extract, reported to help relieve swelling and stiffness, and Vitamin B-12. B-L carries the National Animal Supplement Council’s (NASC) Quality Seal; B-L also has earned top honors from Horse Journal four times. It is available in paste, liquid and pellet form.
Best known for its Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, the company recommends this flagship product for topical pain relief. “Originally developed in 1892, our liniment has been bringing relief to horses for 121 years,” explains Jaime McKinley, Vice President of Marketing and New Business Development and a fifth generation of the Young family, founders of W. F. Young, Inc. and the Absorbine brand. Absorbine Veterinary Liniment contains an herbal tincture to help relieve soreness and swelling, and provides deep penetrating heat which can be beneficial to conditions such as arthritis. “Side benefits of this formula include its use as a brace, body wash and even as an antiseptic,” according to McKinley.
Absorbine acquired Magic Cushion, a hoof packing proven to relieve the symptoms associated with hoof concussion and trauma, in May 2012. “Magic Cushion uses natural ingredients to help reduce hoof heat. This makes it ideal for hard-working horses in training and competition where hoof concussion and resulting hoof heat and soreness is a concern, but it’s also great for casual trail riders after a long ride on hard or rough terrain,” says McKinley. Absorbine conducted a study in September 2012 where thermography was used to measure hoof temperatures prior to and after treatment with Magic Cushion. Results showed that Magic Cushion starts working to reduce hoof heat in one hour, and keeps working for up to 24 hours.
Ongoing preventative care of muscles, joints and connective tissues is a critical piece of Absorbine’s pro-active pain relief regimen. Their Flex+Max supplement contains guaranteed levels of hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, boswellia and flaxseed–all reported to help relieve inflammation. Flex+Max is a barn favorite because it is highly palatable and the pelleted form mixes easily with regular feed. Consumer reviews repeatedly cite that this product is effective on senior horses, leading to improved flexibility and mobility.
“Absorbine remains true to our pain relief heritage and has a number of new products in development to address these concerns,” shares McKinley. “Our goal is to enhance the lives of horses and their owners through better health and wellness.”For more information visit www.absorbine.com.
