Prevent and Treat Laminitis Naturally

An important aspect of horse guardianship, and barn management, is being as pro-active as possible in regards to the prevention of laminitis. Laminitis (aka, founder) is inflammation of the laminae, or tissue layers, of the hoof. Although the causes of founder are varied, they all trigger a disturbance that disrupts the normal blood flow to and from the hoof. Lack of proper blood flow causes a lack of oxygen to the laminae, which become damaged and die, leading to further hoof tissue damage and deterioration.

Some causes of laminitis include:

Hormonal changes, particularly during a mare’s estrous cycle

Long term use of drugs, chemicals and toxins

Bacterial or viral infections, prolonged illness, colic and severe stress

Sudden change to lush grass or legumes such as alfalfa

Carbohydrate overload from eating too much grain

Bruised hooves from impact on hard surfaces

In order to help domesticated horses avoid the pain of laminitis, we must be careful and mindful of what the horse eats. Feed whole, clean grains that are stored safely; avoid feeding sweetened and processed grains. We should work our horses sensibly, support their health by building up their immune systems, avoiding the use of chemicals, indiscriminate drug use and only vaccinating when necessary (consider titers testing when appropriate). Remember, we must

GRADUALLY introduce our horses to pasture, particularly during spring and fall.

While pasture grazing is a horse’s natural food source, it can cause problems if it isn’t digested efficiently. There are certain times of the year when grasses have high levels of sugars that can be harmful to a horse’s system if it isn’t accustomed to them. Warm clear days and cool nights are the ideal conditions for the buildup of sugars, especially after rain when growing conditions are optimal. Starches and sugars are not completely digested before they reach the bowel. These undigested starches and sugars ferment much faster than hay fiber and can lead to an abundance of bacteria and acid. This excess acid in the gut is the very first step in the development of laminitis. How founder develops from this point is very complicated, but basically, the greater the amount of starch and sugar fermentation, the greater the buildup of acids and the greater the of founder. The process depends upon how much the horse eats, how quickly it eats, and how efficiently the horse digests what it eats before the fermentation process begins. (Please note, a horse’s digestive system and process is unique to the individual. Not all horses in one barn will necessarily digest food the same way).

Through my experience, I have come to immediately use the following homeopathics when I first suspect an onset of laminitis.

Aconite 30c – dose every 20 minutes up to 6 times

Belladonna 30c – follow the dosing of Aconite with this – hourly for 4 doses, then, as long as the horse is responding, dose 3 times a day for 4 days.

For dealing with laminitis flare-ups I use:

Nux vomica 6c – dose 2 times a day for 5-7 days until improvement noticed

(This remedy is particularly effective for the horse that appears fidgety and irritable as the condition arises.

If your horse’s condition shows slight improvement as it begins to warm and move use, Rhus Toxicodendron 6c , 2-3 times a day until noticeable improvement (This may take 3-8 weeks).

In the case of chronic laminitis to assist with regeneration of damaged tissue inside of the hoof, I like to use, Calcarea Fluorica 30c, dose morning and evening 2 days a week for 4-6 weeks.

There are several beneficial herbs that, when used appropriately, will have positive influence on the prevention and treatment of founder and its various effects. Some of these, when combined with other herbs, have increased action on the condition. Yes, many conventional drugs are derived from herbs but these drugs contain a concentration of active ingredients to address the symptoms. Because the herbs remain whole and complete in their composition, the properties maintain their natural balance and work together thus addressing underlying causes and treating the horse as a whole.

In the case of founder, herbs can be used to cleanse the body, aid digestion, lower discomfort, restore balance to the horse’s system and promote healthy tissue growth.

For the prevention of laminitis and especially for horses with recurring founder:

Burdock Root – stimulates digestion and cleanses the blood

Chamomile – is an anti-inflammatory, improves circulation and aids digestion

Horehound – aids digestion

To aid the body in flushing out toxins that may build up and lead to laminitis:

Blessed thistle – helps treat liver problems and aids circulation

Cleavers – high in silica, a mineral that helps ensure strong hooves, it is also an effective lymphatic cleanser

Comfrey – full of nutrients, helps soothe inflamed tissue, promotes fast healing – especially of bone and connective tissue

Dandelion root and leaf – mineral rich and helps to clear the body of waste matter and toxins

Milk thistle seed or powder -  Should be considered for the horse that has been on heavy drug therapies or steady use of pain relievers. It is a very effective liver cleanser; if the liver is not working properly the body cannot expel toxins from the system.

Nettle (dried leaves) – stimulates circulation, is a blood cleanser and overall body system conditioner; they are very nutritious

Horses that have foundered commonly develop infections and abscesses in their feet. Goldenseal , though pricey, works well for deep-seated infections. A blend of garlic and hawthorn is a more economical and very effective treatment.

Adding pain relieving herbs such as devil’s claw and white willow is helpful and may allow you to forego the use of butazolidin. Devil’s claw is an effective anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. White willow bark is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory that is useful in cases of laminitis and navicular syndrome. Celery seed and stalk will improve appetite and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

The use of an herbal hoof pack may help with infections and abscesses in founder cases. One can be created by combining comfrey leaf, plantain leaf, powdered marshmallow root, and a drop of tea tree oil with warm water to make a paste-like consistency. Apply to the hoof sole and keep in place for 48 hours to help draw out heat and infection.

Garlic, kelp and rose hips are herbs that hell strengthen the hoof and encourage healthy growth. Kelp is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and iodine. Rose hips improve hoof strength and condition because they contain bioflavonoids and are an excellent source of vitamin C. Any herbs that stimulate circulation to the hoof will improve the quality of growth.

I always recommend speaking with your veterinarian and farrier when you suspect founder. Treating the condition at an early stage greatly improves your horse’s prognosis and return to sound health. The information shared here is intended as informational supportive education. The more we know, the better we are able to provide effective,safe care for our horses.

Homeopathic Remedies for the Equine Digestive Tract

The digestive tract is critical to a horse's well-being anf is regulated by a number of factors in the horse's life. Because most of us are unable to provide the benefits of  natural, wild, herd-based, free range feeding lifestyle for our horse we are left doing the best we can with the grasses, feeds, interactions and exercise we have available.

Nature designed the horse (and its digestive system) to function optimally as part of a herd, walking 15 hours (or more) a day, and grazing on a variety of roughage during that time. Unfortunately, and often due to urban constraints, horse life consists of confinement many hours a day, lack of social interaction and structure, little or limited exercise and processed feeds. Digestive symptoms that may occur from this lifestyle include poor eating habits, ulcers, abnormal stool (too wet or too dry) and colic. Homeopathy offers relief of symptoms for many of these conditions.

Before thinking about a homeopathic remedy, you need to asses your horse's lifestyle. How natural is it? How much stress is your horse under? What symptoms tell you that your horse is stressed? Do you notice pacing, chewing, anxious behavior, herd bound tendencies, poor appetite, or poor coat condition? Does your horse turn its emotions inward and hide them? What emotional state do you feel your horse is in - happy, content, worried, confused, depressed, aggressive, grumpy, willful, fearful, friendly - these are all words that can help define emotional and mental states that will help decide what homeopathic remedy to pick.

What is your horse's diet? A heavily grain-based diet (especially sweet feeds) will aggravate the gastrointestinal tract and will be an obstacle to effective remedy response. Excessive use of antibiotics will also prevent response to a remedy since the good bacteria in your horse's system has been killed. Prolonged and continued stress conditions will aggravate gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers. If the stress (extended confinement, showing every weekend, irregular feed times, minimal turnout, etc) continues, the likelihood of curing your horse's ulcers with homeopathic remedies is very small. Under these circumstances, you would see better results from continual feeding of herbal supplements.

Generally, most equine digestive disorders are chronic in nature and benefit most from a full constitutional assessment by a homeopathic veterinarian who takes a complete case history then matches a specific remedy to the horse.

Following is a basic materia medica or symptoms (for two common equine digestive issues) that may fit different remedies. If you chose to try one, and it does not work, do not keep giving other remedies in hopes they will work, contact a professional for assistance..

COLIC

A great first aid kit for acute colic can be put together and kept in every barn. Homeopathic remedies in their original packages keep for several years, so you do not have to worry about them going bad. I would get all the remedies in a 30C potency and use 6-8 of the little tablets per dose. In a colic situation, the first thing to do is to take 4 drops of Rescue Remedy, then give 10-12 drops to your horse. Rescue remedy calms both of you. Next call your veterinarian. If your treatment makes the horse better by the time the vet arrives, it will be good have your horse checked anyway.

* Nux Vomica is the classic remedy to use in a colic situation for many different types of colic, from overeating grain or grass to an impaction. It is powerful, but will not cover up serious signs that your veterinarian may need to see. You can give one dose every 15 minutes for an hour. If there are no results, the remedy is not correct or the case is more serious than it seems.

* Colocynthis is a remedy more for a gassy colic, where you can hear loud gut sounds, often without a stethoscope. Your horse may pass gas, or it may be trapped and can be quite painful. The same four doses as mentioned above can be given.

* Aconite is always useful for a colic with a sudden onset, especially if there is cold or windy weather blowing in.

Along with the remedies, I recommend that a high quality probiotic be given. A liquid fermented product is often easier to give and has a better shelf life than powdered versions (ex: ProBi –Advanced Biological Concepts). In an emergency, any probiotic will help, even 6-12 human probiotic capsules can be given.

ULCERS

The horse’s personality plays a very important role in selecting remedies for ulcers. Since this is a chronic condition, a single dose of the remedy is given, or two doses on one day. Then you need to wait about 2-3 weeks for the remedy to take effect. Sometimes the result is slow to happen, but gradually you see your horse happier and more comfortable. Before you decide the remedy is not working, really think about any changes you have seen and keep a notebook with a daily journal.

* Nux Vomica is useful for horses who have a “Type A” personality, like to work and tend to have a bit of a temper. When these horses are hurting, they get very unpleasant. It is also very good for horses who have had a lot of drugs, and many of he horses off the racetrack.

* Arsenicum Alb is a remedy that fits horses with more fear in their personality, also those that are finicky about their stalls, like things neat and orderly. They may tend towards loose stool.

* Phosphorus horses tend to be friendly, happy horses, but can be sensitive to noises and a bit fearful.

* Lycopodium horses may get stressed easily, have a bit of diarrhea, gas or watery stool when stressed or anticipating stress.

Happy Cat Liver Treats

Liver as a food booster or treat is wildly accepted by the 4-legged contingent of my household, both canine and feline.  Here is a quick recipe that both my cats (one aged 19 and the other 8) happily enjoy and digest well. Please remember that feeding too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity in our cats. Due to how I occasionally choose to add liver to the food I make for them, my fur-kids only get these treats twice a year.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken livers
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup cooked carrot, mashed
• 1 tablespoon soft butter

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 

Cook livers on your stove top then place well-done livers in a blender with 1/4 cup of water. 

In a bowl, combine flour and butter. Add liver mixture and carrots and knead dough into a ball. 

Roll dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut into 1-inch-sized pieces.

 Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Makes 12 cookies.

Pass the Pumpkin, Please

Two common canine ailments are diarrhea and constipation.  Did you know that canned pumpkin can offer a solution to both?

Diarrhea is more a symptom rather than a disease and is typically a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s digestive system. A lot of things can cause diarrhea in your dog; it may have eaten something that disagrees with its body, it may have food allergies, bacterial or viral infection or a worm infestation. It may even be due to a change in its diet.

In normal cases, diarrhea has a surprisingly simple solution: canned pumpkins. Canned pumpkin is actually pumpkin in a puree form. Pumpkins are very rich in fiber and even adding two teaspoons of canned pumpkin in you dog’s food helps the digestion process. Canned pumpkin has a large quantity of dietary fiber and it will also absorb the excess water present in the stool. This makes your dog’s stool more firm and results can be seen within a few hours. Give your small dog one and a half to two teaspoons of canned pumpkin. For a larger dog give two tablespoons instead.

Another benefit of canned pumpkin is in treating dogs for constipation. It softens your dog’s stool and can cure an upset stomach very quickly. This makes canned pumpkins one of the best natural remedies to your dog’s stomach problems.

Canned pumpkin also makes a great addition to dog treats.  Just add some canned pumpkin to your favorite dog treat recipes to give Fido a healthy treat.

Canned pumpkin is low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol.  It is also a good source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium and is also a very good source of dietary fiber.  Some vets even recommend canned pumpkin for weight loss in dogs.  Simply substitute one-third of your dog’s regular food with an equivalent amount of canned pumpkin.  Because it is high in fiber, canned pumpkin will make your dog fuller than it would if you just reduced their caloric intake.

You can find canned pumpkin in the baking section of most grocery stores.
* Important note - DO NOT use pumpkin pie mix as this often contains sugars and other ingredients that are not good for your dog and may worsen symptoms.* 

Equine Herb Supplements

Why does the modern domestic equine need dietary supplements?  Many of today's horses live in conditions that are different from their free roaming, range running ancestors.  They are often kept in stalls and turned out into pasture areas that are lush, but lacking in the natural variety of grasses and weeds that equines would normally self-medicate and eat.  We have established fixed eating and exercise patterns. We often feed them individual meals of hay and grain instead of the animal being able to graze throughout the day. This is not the ideal pattern for the digestive system of an animal whose body is naturally designed to eat small amounts of food almost continuously. Also, we often perform competitively or ride regularly with them, asking their bodies to produce expended periods of energy output. These facts make reasoning to supplement our equines' food, for their optimal health, legitimate.

Here are five herbs that are easy to find, inexpensive and safe to feed your horse (Mule savvy friends please fill me in - I believe the fenugreek may be too sweet for your fur babies). Remember, any time you add something new to your equine's diet, it needs to be done slowly over time to allow the digestive system to adjust to the new foods. Watch your companion closely to ensure that it does not have a unique reaction to any of them.  In order for herbs to be of the most therapeutic benefit, they need time to work.  Expect to use a herbal supplement regimen for at least four to six weeks in order to see benefits.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) The flowers are packed with phosphorus and calcium, they regulate and strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system.  One of nature's most gentle sedatives, chamomile can be used in cases of anxiety, hyperactivity and sleeplessness. It is a carminative, supporting the digestive system and is an effective anti-inflammatory. I have used it externally and internally to treat allergic reactions.
Add 1/4 cup of flowers, soaked in water for 5 minutes, once daily

Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale) This herb is n=an excellent addition to a horse's diet. High in vitamins A.B.C and D, and potassium rich, dandelion functions as a tonic by stimulating liver function, bile production, and kidney function. It helps the body clear itself of toxins and is believed to purify the blood. It is a strong botanical when used in rehabilitation or conditioning mixes, especially for equines that undergo the stress of competition.
Add 1 cup of dried dandelion leaf to your horse's feed, once daily

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Horses love the flavor of these seeds that function to strengthen the respiratory system, mucus membranes and support sinus function, especially in cases of upper respiratory infection, sinus issues or congestion. Fenugreek has strong regulating and stimulating properties on the lymphatic system, helping lymph to move effectively through the body. This is particularly helpful in cases of anhydrosis (aka "the puffs").
Add 2 tablespoons of seeds to your horse's feed, once daily

Nettles (Urtica dioca) Nettles are one of nature's richest sources of iron and also contain histamine, serotonin, potassium, silica, and vitamins A and C. Nettles support the immune,  respiratory, urinary and reproctive systems. Additionally they strengthen hoof and coat health.
Add 1/2 cup of dried nettles to feed, once daily
* If you use fresh nettles, allow them to wither in the sun for 4 hours to remove the sting, or pour boiling water over them first and them to cool.*

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) Raspberry leaf helps regulate hormonal shifts in mares , strengthens and tones the uterus which aids in fertility, pregnancy and foaling. It is and astringent and is used effectively for diarrhea, bleeding gums, and wet cough.
Add 1/2 cup of dried leaves to your mare's diet daily

I find these three methods the easiest way to add herbs to the diet:
* Fresh or dried herbs in separate feeders so they are free to choose which herb their bodies need
*A combination of fresh and dried herbs added to their daily grain ration
*Dried herbs allowed to soak in a little water for 5 - 10 minutes then added to their daily food ration

Hydration and Your Horse

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An average 1,000 pound horse can drink anywhere from five gallons of water a day to as much as twenty or more.  As with humans, weather and activity is a big factor.  Expect your horse's consumption to increase when it is hot or humid even if you aren't working him.  When you are exercising, training and riding your horse, expect even a higher amount of water to be required.

What your horse is eating has a great deal to do with how much he drinks.  A horse on a predominately hay diet will drink much more water than a horse grazing on lush summer pasture grass.

Even with easy access to water, your horse still may become dehydrated.  Keep the water source clean, fresh and cool.  Water sources that are dirty, stagnant or too warm deter your horses interest in drinking.  Take a look at his trough or bucket.  If you wouldn't drink the water that you see and smell, neither would your horse.

Hal Schott, DVM and a professor from Michigan State University, suggests making sure that your horse has access to salt so he can consume what his body needs.  Dr. Schott states that, "adding one ounce of sodium chloride (table salt) to the feed ration twice daily will help replace sodium and chloride lost in sweat and will make some horses drink more".

After exercise, offer your horse salted water then, twenty minutes later, offer plain water.  Studies conducted by Michigan State University proved that offering a saline solution as the initial drink after exercise resulted in a greater total fluid intake and recovery of body weight loss during the fist hours after exercise, as compared to only offering plain water.  Add 1 ounce of table salt to five gallons of water, then 20 - 30 minutes later, offer your horse plain water.  This is particularly effective for horses on long trail rides and when traveling.

I have known several horses who were rather finicky about water when traveling.  Like me, they probably did not like the smell or taste of water that wasn't from home.  

If feasible, and relatively easy for you to do so, consider bringing some water from home with you.  Another idea is to slowly get your horse accustomed to drinking slightly flavored water before travel.  You can do this by adding sugar free gatorade, apple juice or molasses to his water.  This way, when you are away from home, you can add the flavor he likes to the local water and stand a better chance of him drinking well.  Please remember, whenever you use flavored water, always offer a separate bucket of plain water!

K9 Hydration

No matter the season, water is crucial to your dog's health, during the summer months, it is even more important.  A dog's body weight is 70% water, so even a loss of only 5-10% of water means that your dog could suffer dehydration.

How much water does your dog need to drink daily?  Dogs should drink almost an equal amount of water for every calorie they consume.  In general, a healthy dog should drink 1/2 to 1 full ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.  Keep in mind that if your dog is very active or outside in the heat for an extended time, you should provide her with access to plenty of cool, fresh water and a shaded rest area.

 Dogs that are overweight can suffer more from the heat than dogs with an ideal body condition.  Carrying more weight means more stress on the dog's joints and muscles, as well as their respiratory system which they use to regulate their body temperature. Exercise and a portion controlled, balanced diet will help your dog maintain a good body condition and reduce the risk of heat stress.

Brachycephalic dog breeds such as boxers, pugs and bulldogs are especially prone to heat stress because of their facial structure affects their ability to take in air and efficiently pant to cool down, putting them at risk for overheating and respiratory distress.  Keeping these breeds in fit body condition and avoiding excessive endurance activities is crucial for their safety on hot days.

If you are exercising your dog on hot summer days, please be prepared and take extra steps to keep her hydrated.  During exercise, give your dog small amounts of water every 15-20 minutes.  Once activity has ended, do not immediately put a full water bowl down for her.  Wait until she is calm and has stopped heaving panting before allowing her to drink freely.  An overly tired and eager dog may quickly swallow large amounts of water and air which could lead to discomfort or stomach injury.