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. 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 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.
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