Any condition that puts strain on the body and its organs which can cause damage, breakdown of tissues or causes death of any number of cells can be considered as stress.

The diet must be adequate in all factors so as to institute rapid repair because if the rate of destruction exceeds the rate of rebuilding, the horse will reach a state of clinically observable symptoms of malfunction.

The nutritional requirements for the repair consequent to stressful situations are much greater than normal requirements. This is even more important in sickness when the appetite can be depressed.

Stressful stimuli initiate a series of reactions starting with the release of hormones by the Pituitary Gland at the base of the brain. These hormones stimulate the Adrenal Glands to produce a number of active hormones, referred to as Corticosteroids. These hormones result in what in known as the "Alarm Reaction" which mobilises the body to meet the emergency. Proteins are broken down to form sugar for immediate energy, blood sugar rises and any excess is stored in the Liver as Glycogen, where it can be reconverted to sugar when necessary; fat is mobilised from depots; minerals are drawn from the bones; excess salt is retained; blood pressure increases etc. etc.

This alarm reaction is followed by a stage of resistance which is concerned with rebuilding processes. Assuming that all the nutritional requirements are available, stressful stimuli can be accommodated without apparent harm for considerable periods. Should there be any short-fall in the supply of raw materials, a "stage of exhaustion" will develop which will result in clinical symptoms. The urinary loss of Nitrogen under stressful conditions is an indication of the excessive Protein breakdown in the body. If these proteins are not replaced, the body tissues including the Protein Matrix of bones will suffer. In the latter case, this will result in a loss of minerals, which will cause a weakness in the bones.

Amongst the whole array of stressful stimuli, one must include strong exercise.

The ability to cope with stress is dependent, to a great degree, on the capabilities of both the Pituitary and Adrenal glands to produce their protective hormones. Essential factors for glandular integrity are, the adequate intake of well-balanced Proteins, members of the Vitamin B Complex, especially Vitamin B2 and Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Vitamin C and, because of its anti-oxidant properties, Vitamin E.

The Adrenal Cortex is extremely sensitive to dietary deficiencies, especially Pantothenic Acid, where even a slight deficiency can cause a marked decrease in the quality of hormones released.

Any deficiencies of Vitamin A, B2 or E can also limit hormone production.

Adequate intake of the essential fatty acid, Linoleic acid, is another prerequisite for an adequate output of Adrenal hormones.

Other technical notes are available on the subject of Protein. Ranvet's Power Formula supplies high concentrations of protein, fortified with limiting essential amino acids.

Vitamins A and D are provided by Folactin and Ranvet's Salkavite contains the B-group vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is in Aminovite which is Ranvet's most comprehensive vitamin and trace element supplement.

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