Pain Can Be Neuritis And Not Laminitis
Pain can be Neuritis – Full Article
3 Steps to help stop Neuritis Pain
10 Foot Neuritis Signs in your Horse (Neuritis/Neuropathy):
1. Hoof test ok but foot sore.
2. No increased pulses but foot sore. Radiographs same as in the past or are even improved (less rotation) but foot sore.
3. Talented farrier sees improved foot from past but foot sore.
4. Talented farrier does routine hoof trim and horse is sore 1-2 days after – this is not an error, this is a sign of Neuritis.
5. Middle of the winter and no grass or on dirt lot with no grass and suddenly foot sore. Ouchy across rocks/gravel/hard ground, the others are ok on. Allodynia – excess pain response to normal stimuli.
6. Middle of winter standing in snow or very cold over 5 days in a row and suddenly foot sore. Note: Icy therapy which helps treat Laminitis is all around the horse but is sore due to this is Neuritis and not Laminitis.
7. Bute of little help – did help in the past but even on it daily for weeks is still foot sore.
8. Stall rest/DMSO IV/Ace which helped in the past not helping now.
9. Shoes/Boots do help some but less than 50%.
10. Lame for months and months even after trying many things.
These 10 signs are Neuritis caused by past Laminitis and not new/acute Laminitis.
What happens to horse’s nerves in Laminitis resulting in neuritis?
1. Direct irritation and damage to the nerves by high levels of insulin. “Insulin Neuritis Syndrome seen in people starting insulin therapy.” Dr. Vinik, 2004, CME, Diab. Neuro.
2. Insulin Resistance leads to:
A. “A reduction of neurotrophic signaling which contributes to nerve pathogenesis.” Dr. Hosseini, 2013, Oxid. Med. Insulin’s usual action is to promote nerve growth, but Insulin Resistance blocks insulin’s normal function.
B. “In neuron, Insulin Resistance disruptions of pathways leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and dysfunctions or death of the nerve.” Dr. Hosseini, 2013, Oxid. Med.
3. Less blood flow (vasoconstriction) to nerves damages them. Insulin at high levels causes vasoconstriction.
A. “Blood vessel endothelial dysfunction” seen in diabetic people with neuropathy.” Dr. DeVriese, 2000, Br. J. Pharm.
B. “Oxidative stress and inflammatory activity reduce nerve blood flow.” Dr. Kellogg, 2006, Antiox/Redux Signal.
C. “Selective COX2 inhibition helped in preventing nerve blood flow and nerve conduction velocity deficits in experimental neuropathy.” Dr. Pop-Busvi, 2002, Diabetes, University of Michigan.
D. 
“Neuropathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes.” Dr. Hosseini, 2013, Oxid. Med.
4. Physical crushing of nerves.
A. In all Laminitis, bone density is lost. This leads to nerves not being protected by being exposed to more shear forces and in horses shifting weight and pressing harder on areas of foot, leading to nerves bearing more weight.
B. As blood flow is lost, coffin bone can sink and press on nerves.
C. As horses founder (rotate), the shifting coffin bone smashes the nerves/blood vessels.
D. In human medicine they are looking into neuroma formation in diabetic people’s feet – very possible in horses also. Damaged nerves hypertrophy into bundles of tissue creating pain.
5. Inflammatory mediators create damage to nerves both locally in the foot and in the spinal cord.
A. “Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species lead to progressive nerve damage, dysfunction, and loss.” Dr. Hosseini, 2003, Oxid. Med.
B. Blocking COX2 helped in preventing nerve blood flow and nerve conductive velocity deficits. Dr. Pop-Busvi, 2002, Diabetes. COX2 is an enzyme creating prostaglandins. Certain medicines like Equioxx and Previcox are COX2 specific blockers, to lower prostaglandins.
C. “PGF2-alpha, PGE2 (prostaglandins) are vasoconstricting.” Dr. Kellogg, 2005. So when the horse is inflamed there is less blood flow to the feet and nerves in the feet.
D. COX2 inactivation had “protective effects against nerve function and biochemical deficits, shows support for major contribution of the COX2 pathway activations/enhancement oxidative stress relationship in diabetic neuropathy.” Dr. Kellogg, 2006. He also, by inactivating COX2, lowered prostaglandins by 5 times and also nerve catalase by 4 times and lipid peroxidation by 2 times.
E. *** “Evidence that inflammation in COX2 is major pathway accounting for 75% of PGE2 prostaglandins.” Dr. Gross, 2002, AJ Phys.; Dr. Langenbach, 1999, Ann. NY.
F. “PGE2 prostaglandin, Thromboxane is not unique to COX2 pathway in normal circumstances but in pro-inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, their function is mainly via COX2.” Dr. Kellogg, 2002.
G. Inflammatory path cross talk makes painful events. Prostaglandins made by COX2 enzymes are able to increase LOX enzymes on a different pathway and LOX products like HETE can increase only COX2 enzymes (but not COX1) “Cross activation greatly augments progress of neuropathy.” Dr. Xu, 2006, Kidney Int.
H. See how a Cox2 blocker helped in lowering peripheral neuropathy in an animal study. Also see how Gabapentin Family Med also helps. 
Click here to see: Etodolac, a Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor, Attenuates Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuorpathy.
I. In Spinal Cord See below why Equioxx/Previcox helps so much in Neuritis.
• “Higher release of spinal COX2 protein and prolonged release of PGE2 in response to stimuli in diabetics.” Freshwater Diabetes 2002.
• In this study, this higher level of COX2 in the spinal area created hyperalgesia (overreaction to painful stimuli). This hyperalgesia seen 1 week of creating diabetes in lab animals and “it increased with duration of diabetes.” Dr. Ramos, 2007, Diabetes. Dr. Reilly – So longer inflamed, probably more and more sensitive to stimuli which is what we see often in horses.
• If just did spinal inhibitors of COX2 (not whole body, not at limbs), did see “significant alleviations of hyperalgesia.” Demonstrated animals sore not just at feet for example, but painful feet also due to spinal cord inflammation as well.
• Dr. Orsini, Head of the Laminitis Institute, alluded to this in his study of Equioxx in arthritic horses. “Improvement by day 7-14 in Osteoarthritis horses may have reflected in the past a neural effect such as a central down regulation of Allodynia associated with chronic pain.” AJVR, 2012.
• Dr. Bevtone, in a study, “COX2 involved in central nervous system pain responses and COX2 actually in CNS is increased in peripheral inflammation.” and “COXib medications (like Equioxx and Previcox) cross blood brain barrier they may provide analgesia centrally as well as peripherally.” JAVMA, 2008.
• Why Cox-2 blocker like Firocoxib (Equioxx/Previcox) needs to be used in early Laminitis pain. In a carbohydrate overload study testing various cytokines, inflammatory marks, the Cox-2 expression in laminar tissues was the one seen – not white cell cytokines, not nitric oxide enzymes. The Heiro program of pain relief over the last 5 years is in total agreement with this 2014 university study. 
Click here to see study: Laminar Inflammatory events in lean and obese ponies…
J. Nerve in foot and nerve/s in spinal cord damaged in Laminitis. “Anti-neuropathic analgesic treatment may have a role in management”.
Click Here to see study: Neuropathic Changes in Equine Laminitis Pain
How to Help Stop Neuritis Pain In The Feet Of These Horses? 3 Steps.
1. Need to control high insulin – if this is not done, you are throwing Dixie cups of water on a forest fire. Slow/steady hay eating plus ration balancers with extra protein plus HEIRO = SUCCESS.
Eventually after testing, will slowly start a turn out program.
2. Physically protect feet – shoes, boots, casts, pads, impression material – to allow nerves to rest. Confine to a small area for 1 week.
3. Medications
A. COX2 blocking agents are most effective. 640 times more COX2 specific (Firocoxib in Equioxx). Dr. Orsini, 2012, AJVR.
B. The key is to get high levels into the horse quickly, then drop dose down but extend its use. Early on, we would get great effect then stop or cut the dose – big mistake, the horse would be sorer than before. Avoid the black hole by using COX2 blockers 21 days in a row.
C. We will combine a COX2 blocker Equioxx with Tylenol (Acetaminaphen) for 7 days in a row and then go to only Equioxx another 14 days for 21 total days.
D. Often COX2 medications like Equioxx or Previcox are used but at doses too small to stop nerve pain. Arthritis dosages are not helpful in the beginning of therapy.
Plan for a 1000 pound horse:
Day 1 – Equioxx – 2 Tablets AM and 1 Tablet PM
Tylenol 500mg Tabs – 18 Tabs AM and 18 Tabs PM
Days 2-7– Equioxx – 1 Tablet in AM and 1 Tablet in PM
Tylenol – 18 Tabs in AM and 18 Tabs in PM
Days 8-21 – Equioxx – 1 Tablet in AM
Tylenol – Days 8, 9, 10: 18 Tabs in AM and 18 Tabs in PM
Note: Fully aware that dose of Equioxx is higher than arthritis dose, but this is needed in Laminitis pain due to nerve problems in feet. Often people will say “we tried Equioxx already and it did no good” and that is due to did not front load it at higher dose for 7 days.
NOTE: In rare circumstances, some horses will still show soreness at day 10 of this program. If that is seen, will add Gabapentin to Equioxx.
Why?
See benefit of COX2 blocker Equioxx and Gabapentin working synergistically. 1+1=3.
Dr. Chizh, 2007, Brit J. Anesth. Study:
1. Gabapentin in human studies did act centrally (spinally) on pain with a 30-40% reduction in Allodynia/hyperalgesia. Dr. Cilron, 2006, Exp Rev Neurotr.
Dr. Reilly – I agree. I would get some effect in cases but it was not a “wow” and it takes about a week to work.
2. In his study, he combined a COX2 blocker with Pregabalin (Gabapentin’s brother called Lyrica).
“Pregabalin combined with COX2 specific paracoxib was more efficacious in attenuating measurements of control sensitization than paracoxib alone. Combining Gabapentin-like drugs and COX2 inhibitors may provide an efficacy benefit in chronic pain states where central sensitization is key mechanism for neuropathic pain.”
Click here to see the study: Effects of Oral Pregabalin and aprepitant on pain.
“Combinations of analgesic mechanisms could lead to improved efficacy.”
Dr. Reilly – Now I knew why it helps, where it helped. I needed it rarely, but if I did need it, will combine it.
How to dose Gabapentin?
There is a great study on Gabapentin in Horses – Click here to see Dr. Terry’s article in J. Vet Pharm. Therap., 2010, Pharmacokinetic Profile and behavioral effects of Gabapentin in the horse.
What I have learned over the years:
1. The drug has a short half life, so need 3 times a day dosing. I have tried twice a day with failure and 3 times a day with great success.
2. I have tried the 20mg/kg dose but horses seemed very sedated (“zonked” according to owners), so I tried 15mg/kg with similar results, so use a 10mg/kg, 3 times a day dosage and horses good and comfort is improved.
3. Gabapentin has a low bio-availability (16%) so it takes abut 3-5 days to see effects. Do not get upset if in 2 days you only see a little.
4. If going to work, will see it by Day 8.
5. I always combine with Equioxx Tablets at the same time. Study on site (see link) shows works better than Gabapentin-like drugs alone. 1+1=3 Synergy.
Can Tylenol Help My Horse?
A. At the 2016 AAEP Convention, Dr. Foreman from University of Illinois Veterinary School (old professor of mine) did combine Equioxx and Tylenol and found this combination effective in pain relief.
B. The exact mechanism of how Tylenol works is unknown, but there are opinions that it may be through the Cannabinoid Receptors in the brain of people and horses.
C. Click here to see Dr. Foreman’s article where he is quoted, “I wouldn’t put down another Laminitic horse without suggesting this to a client as an alternative to try.” The article in the Horse, Acetaminophen Could Relieve Laminitis Pain.
D. Click here to see why Tylenol and Equioxx combined helps horses: Firoboxib, Acetaminophen Eyed as Laminitis Treatments.
E. 5-18 Tablets of Tylenol may be too much for some ponies/horses to eat in their feed — We have the answer!
1. Place all tablets in a 60cc dose syringe
2. Suck up 30cc of water from a cup
3. Tablets will dissolve in 3 minutes! Use syringe to squirt mixture into your horses mouth
NOTE: Ponies/Minis that are 250-500 pounds dose of Firocoxib (Equioxx)?
A. Dosing for these weight:
500 Pounds:
Day 1-7: Equioxx – 1 Tab AM and 1 Tab PM
Tylenol 500mg Tabs – 9 Tabs AM and 9 Tabs PM 
Day 8-21: Equioxx – 1 Tab a Day in AM
Tylenol – Stop
If sore at day 10, add Gabapentin.
250 Pounds:
Day 1-7: Equioxx – 1 Tab AM and 1 Tab PM
Tylenol 500mg Tabs – 5 Tabs AM and 5 Tabs PM
Day 8-21: Equioxx – 1 Tab a Day in AM
Tylenol – Stop
If sore at day 10, add Gabapentin.
*DO NOT do 1/4 or 1/2 doses of Equioxx compared to 1000 pound horses in these 250-500 pound horses. It will fail.
B. Possible mechanics of why they need a higher dose for Neuritis than arthritis per pound?
-
- Greater spinal aspect of pain in ponies/minis.
- COX2 induced hyperalgesia increased with duration of Diabetes in Ramos study. Ponies/minis get earlier episodes of Laminitis and more Laminitis events than horses.
- More COX2 action due to LOX pathway crosstalk requiring more COX2 blocking.
- Length of time a Laminitis horse could effect need:
“Although pain of diabetic neuropathy may resolve spontaneously, pain persisting more than 3 months is unlikely to do so and may last years.” Dr. Glaer, 1995, Neuro.
Helpful Hints to Help Avoid Nerve Pain:
1. Boots – Physical barrier between earth and foot to protect nerves – also in winter keeps feet warmer avoiding cold-induced hyperalgesia.
2. Socks inside boots – Help wick away moisture – plain white socks.
3. Leg wraps/blankets in winter to keep feet warmer.
4. Increase time inside barn in winter to keep warmer.
5. Mats if outside to, again, protect nerves. Also acts as a barrier against cold earth in winter.
6. Deep Bedding – Protecting feet.
7. Pads in soles – can use sole guard if no shoes – will help in bare feet or in shod horses, add pad prior to shoe placement.
8. Frequent picking out feet to remove stones/snow.
9. Indoor turnout with cushion, no rocks to avoid flares.
10. Shovel snow allowing a dirt area and not just standing in 6 inches of snow. Put saw dust, shaving, used straw in area for traction.
11. Don’t skip trims – huge problem setting off flares.
Proper diet and exercise is essential for horse health. This product is a supplement to help maintain horse health. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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