Weekend Welcome from Kentucky Perfomance Products: The Equine Spleen

When was the last time you thought about your horse’s spleen? Probably… never — despite the fact that they play a very important role.

From the KPP Tips & Topics Blog:

A horse’s spleen weighs about 15 to 20 lbs. One of its roles is to store red blood cells when a horse is at rest. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to other organs and tissues. When a horse’s flight-or-flight response is triggered, or when he is asked to perform strenuous exercise, the spleen contracts and releases the extra red blood cells into circulation. The red blood cell volume can be increased by as much as 50% from splenic contractions. The increased supply of red blood cells delivers critical oxygen to hard-working organs and muscles.

Laparoscopic view of a horse’s spleen. Source: Malcolm Morley/Wikimedia Commons/Creative Commons License.

Article written by KPP staff.

Copyright (C) 2014 Kentucky Performance Products, LLC.   All rights reserved.

Article sponsored by Myo-Guard, a blend of three powerful antioxidants: natural vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium. Provides essential antioxidants at a daily maintenance level to support healthy muscle function.

When health issues arise, always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian who can help you choose the correct course of action for your horse. Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing. They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury.

About Kentucky Performance Products, LLC:

Since 1998, Kentucky Performance Products has simplified a horse owner’s search for research-proven nutritional horse supplements that meet the challenges facing modern horses. KPP horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today’s feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation. Each product is scientifically formulated and made with high-quality ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities. Kentucky Performance Products is proud to offer a quality assurance promise backed by a money-back guarantee. Kentucky Performance Products brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, matters to us.