Oxidative Stress:

What is Oxidative Stress? Oxidative stress is a clinical condition in which the level of free radicals or reactive oxygen species outnumbers the ability of antioxidants in the bloodstream.

What are Free Radicals? Free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unstable oxygen derivatives produced as a normal course of respirations, dietary intake, toxin exposure and level of inflammation in the body.  Free radicals are a good thing in low numbers because they help the body to get rid of invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses, however, in high numbers, free radicals can actually induce damage to normal cells leading to high levels of inflammatory mediators being produced and can actually lead to a variety of diseases including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, respiratory problems amongst others.

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are molecules produced either naturally in the body as well as taken into the body via the diet.  Their purpose is to essentially neutralize excessive free radicals, helping to minimize damage to normal tissue.  Examples of antioxidants consumed in the diet are vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, CoQ10 and many others.

Can we measure oxidative stress in animals? Yes, we can.  At Timbercreek Veterinary Hospital, we have a new device called the FRAS-4.  This device is able to measure both free radical levels and anitoxidant capabilities in a small sample of blood.  Currently we are analyzing horse and dog blood at this time.  The testing procedure is very quick, uses only a small sample of blood and gives us a large amount of information.

What medical conditions are associated with oxidative stress? The question appears to be, what conditions are not associated with oxidative stress.  We have found oxidative stress in dogs with trauma injuries, diabetes, pancreatitis, arthritis and respiratory disease.  We have found oxidative stress in horses with arthritis, navicular disease, laminitis, insulin resitance, COPD and generalized trauma.  Oxidative stress appears to play a major role in many clinical problems and once resolved or quieted down, the patients seem to recover and regain health.

How do we treat oxidative stress? Currently we are using a product that we have formulated called Cur-OST, which is available for horses as well as dogs.  The small animal formula is currently being evaluated, however, we have tremendous data on the equine formula.  We have used the equine formula in cases of arthritis, navicular disease, laminitis and insulin resistance with tremendous results.  Cur-OST is a blend of anti-inflammatory herbs and antioxidants that is designed to be mixed with food and given daily.  The product is available at our hospital for purchase.  Visit www.cur-ost.com for more information.  It appears that daily use of the Cur-OST product in horses not only improves lameness, but also improves insulin resistance and decreases the need for prescription medications.

Controlling oxidative stress in our patients is just one more step for us to be able to improve overall health.