Equine Hypothyroidism-The Under Estimated Ilness of the Endocrinal System.
Copyright by C. Cooper Lic Ac CVA, CVHM.
All rights reserved.
No portion of this publication may be used without prior written permission of the author. The author asserts her moral right to be identified with this work.
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
-Steve Jobs-
In all my years of treating horses it has taken me considerable time to determine “What lies beneath” the many layers of presenting symptoms one sees in practice and the underlying factors associated with so many different illnesses in horses these days.
In my opinion the key is to treat the disease from the core issues that are the causative factors. Peeling the onion to get to the core, but the core problem is often the hardest to find, it has taken me over 30 years to determine that.
Environmental illness as the result of toxic effects of environmental pollution accumulation in the body. The buildup of toxins due to several different environmental contaminants, pesticides, industrial chemicals compromises the entire immune system, endocrine system and leaves the door wide open for other pathogens to enter the body, like bacterial, viral, fugal, protozoa infections, parasites, filariasis, etc.,
Which came first is the key to addressing the whole systemic system. It has become so obvious to me in the last 10 years that Hypothyroidism is far more common and not suspected in horses and the vast majority of horses that come to me for treatment for chronic stealth infections, do indeed have some form of thyroid dysfunction. It is undoubtable that mild to severe hypothyroidism is a modern epidemic.
Failure of Testing:
I always question why so many racehorses in particular, that I have seen that never succeeded not reach their full potential due to hypothyroidism, those of which all had serum thyroid hormone tests come back normal, question is why did testing fail them.
Dr Barnes MD, Phd., was a famous thyroid researcher of 50 years who conducted thousands of studies of basal metabolism studies. Barnes didn’t consider his Basal Temperature Test to be 100% conclusive, and acknowledged there were other causes of lowered basal temperature. Nevertheless, he maintained that it was the most useful diagnostic test in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, superior even to all modern blood tests. Barnes considered modern blood tests–like the Basal Metabolism Test and the Protein Bound Iodine Test to be unreliable, leaving many patients with clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism undiagnosed and untreated. Barnes estimated in the 1980’s, that the prevalence of undiagnosed hypothyroidism had risen to affect more than 40% of the American population.he discovered that the best method of diagnosing hypothyroidism was through temperature tests, which still today remains the most accurate method.
Effective Diagnostic Measures
This most effective method of diagnosing hypothyroid in horses is to take daily rectal temperatures, on a regular basis, along with presenting symptoms (From list attached) is very important and such a simple method, even for lay people to perform themselves. It has become evident to me in recent years and this is revolutionary in helping horse who struggle, with constant health issues, that could be so simple as that of thyroid gland dysfunction.
Once the horses undergo treatment for presenting symptoms and the underlying thyroid dysfunction is addressed we have seen profound positive and lasting changes in horses who undergo the treatment.
Taking daily basal temperatures along with the symptoms I have listed here in this article is the most efficient diagnostic measure. If temperatures are below 99.6* F, 37.5* C for 5 consecutive days then it is advisable to take some action.
In TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) Hypothyroid is generally a Yang Deficiency, Interior cold. Yang deficiency especially of the Spleen and kidney is also very common these days in all species, especially in younger individuals, which was unheard of years ago all attributed to environmental contaminants.
Thyroid Function
After reading some work done by Dr Broda Barnes, MD Ph.D is impossible to overemphasise the importance of the thyroid, a small gland located in the neck. It is the thyroid that controls metabolism – the process in which food is transformed into energy and many chemical changes take place. Minute thyroid secretions, that are responsible for much of the body’s heat production. They help maintain the circulatory system and blood volume. They are necessary for muscle health. They heighten sensitivity of nerves. Every organ, every tissue, every cell is affected by the hormone secretions of the gland. That severe hypothyroidism can have devastating effects has long been appreciated, which is a rare occurrence, but mild or moderate hypothyroidism is far from rare.
It is the thyroid gland, lying in front of the throat, which regulates the rate at which the body utilises oxygen and controls the rate at which various organs function and the speed with which the body utilises food. In a way, the thyroid, through its hormone secretions, functions as a kind of thermostat. Each individual cell in the body is much like a microscopic power plant. it burns food and sets energy free, some of the energy being released as heat.
Thyroid secretion is essential for the operation of the cell and, in effect, determines how hot the fire gets in the cell and the speed of activity in the cell. The term “metabolism” refers to the fires within body cells. The influence of thyroid secretion on body processes and other organs is almost incredibly widespread and important.
When the thyroid gland is removed from an otherwise normal animal, all metabolic activity is reduced. A decrease in heat production begins–in rabbits, for example, within five to seven days after the operation. By about the third week, metabolism reaches its lowest level, 35 to 40 percent below normal, a reduction corresponding to that seen in severe cases of hypothyroidism in humans. The metabolic rate may be restored to normal or even to above normal by the administration of thyroid substance. After removal of the thyroid gland, excess amounts of water, salts, and protein are retained within the body. Blood cholesterol also goes up.
The thyroid plays an important role in growth processes. Tadpoles, deprived of thyroid, failedto metamorphose into frogs, but they do so at an accelerated rate when excess thyroid is administered. If a just hatched tadpole is given extra thyroid hormone, it turns prematurely into an adult frog about the size of a fly.
In the human, growth and maturation fail to take place normally when the thyroid is absent or functioning far below normal. Children lacking on normal thyroid function may remain small; their stature can be improved considerably by thyroid medication started at an early age.
Ray Pete Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Oregon:
Many children approaching puberty, as estrogen is increasing and interfering with thyroid function, have “growing pains,” in which muscles become tense and sore after prolonged activity. When hypothyroidism is severe, it can cause myopathy, in which the painful swollen condition involves the leakage of muscle proteins (especially myoglobin) into the blood stream, allowing it to be diagnosed by a blood test. The combination of hypothyroidism with fatigue and stress can lead to the breakdown and death of muscle cells, rhabdomyolysis. This is indeed a very common issues in horses.
Fatigue:
Another feature of fatigue (and often of aging, stress, and sickness) is that the relaxation of muscles is retarded and impaired.
Hypothyroidism causes muscle relaxation to be slowed, both in skeletal muscles and in the heart.
F/Z. Meerson showed that stress causes heart muscles to be exposed to increased calcium, followed by breakdown of fats and proteins, and that these changes keep the injured heart in a continuous state of partial contraction, making it stiff, and resistant to complete contractile shortening. When many cardiologists talk about the heart’s stiffness, they are thinking of muscular thickening and fibrosis, but those are late consequences of the kind of contractile, unrelaxed stiffness that Meerson described.
The hypothyroid heart does eventually become fibrotic, but before that, it is just unable to relax properly, and unable to contract fully. This failure to empty fully with each contraction is a kind of “heart failure,” but it can be corrected very quickly by supplementing thyroid. Even the fibrotic heart can recover under the influence of adequate thyroid.
Hypothyroidism tends to cause loss of sodium from the blood, and the hyponatremia sometimes leads to a generalized hypotonicity of the body fluids. The thyroid hormone itself functions as an antioxidant, but much of its protective effect against cell damage is probably the result of preventing cell swelling and accelerating the removal of calcium from the cell. (Swelling, like fatigue, causes intracellular calcium to increase.)
One of the oldest tests for hypothyroidism was the Achilles tendon reflex test, in which the rate of relaxation of the calf muscle corresponded to thyroid function–the relaxation is slow in hypothyroid people.
Water, sodium and calcium are more slowly expelled by the hypothyroid muscle. Exactly the same slow relaxation occurs in the hypothyroid heart muscle, contributing to congestive heart failure, because the semi-contracted heart can’t receive as much blood as the normally relaxed heart. The hypothyroid blood vessels are unable to relax properly, contributing to hypertension. Hypothyroid nerves don’t easily return to their energized relaxed state, leading to insomnia, paresthesias, movement disorders, and nerves that are swollen and very susceptible to pressure damage.
Estrogen
With aging, hypothyroidism, stress, and fatigue, the amount of estrogen in the body typically rises. Estrogen is catabolic for muscle, and causes systemic edema, and nerve excitation. It weakens muscle contraction in the bladder, although it lowers the threshold for stimulation of sensation and contraction (Dambros, et al., 2004).
This is the pattern that causes people to wake up frequently, to pass a small amount of urine. (Progesterone has the opposite effect in the urinary bladder, raising the threshold of response, but strengthening contraction, as it does in the gallbladder.) Estrogen lowers stimulation threshold in the gallbladder, as it does in the brain. Part of its excitatory action might be the result of increased hypotonic tissue water, but its effects on nerve thresholds are practically instantaneous.
Lactic acid production increases with fatigue, aging, hypothyroidism, estrogen excess, and other inefficient biological states. Its presence, when oxygen is available, indicates that something is interfering with efficient oxidative energy metabolism. Ammonia, free fatty acids, and various inflammatory cytokines are also likely to increase in those stress states.
Radiation exposure both from nuclear fallout and medical radiation.
Water Contaminates- Fluoride can cause hypothyroidism, worth getting a good filtration system in place for drinking water.
Commercial fertilisers, high iron and manganese
Heavy metals like that of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury etc.,
Soy products-contain three potent estrogenic substances (plant or phytoestrogens), which inhibit thyroid function an the conversion of T4, the inactive form of the thyroid hormone to T3, the inactive form of the thyroid hormone.
Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFA or omega-3 and -6 oils) This includes all oils liquid at room temperature including: Soybean, canola, safflower, corn, flaxseed, fish, evening primrose, and borage oils. The use of polyunsaturated vegetable oils, whether processed or not, interfere with the thyroid receptors. (Dr Ray Peat Townsend Newsletter, April 1994))
All forms of Estrogen: whether natural, synthetic, herbal or environmental are toxic.
Pesticides used in the growing of animal feed:
Pesticides are estrogenic substances which inhibit the function of the thyroid. Pesticides used in agriculture to protect crops from pests, weeds, and disease. One such pesticide is glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp.
Symptoms associated with Hypothyroidism:
Patients can suffer from a wide variety of symptoms and no two horses may present with the same symptoms
Low Basal temperatures-99.6* F or under
Fatigued/Chronic Fatigue
Anemia
Poor hair growth, thin manes, tail.
Thin or Obese
Irritability/Anxiety
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Tongue Enlargement (Tongue Tie necessary in race horses) DDSP
Laryngeal Paralysis-Roaring
Choke
Laboured or difficult breathing
Heat Intolerance
Over sensitive to cold weather
Poor quality hoof growth, brittle hoofs, toe cracks.
Poor blood circulation to the feet (Microcirculation issues)
Cold feet
Restless leg syndrome/tremors, cramps.
Anhidrosis – decreased sweating
Prone to infection, particularly respiratory, but not limited to them.
Irregular oestrus cycle in mares,Ovary syndrome, Infertility in stallions
Progesterone deficiency
Tying Up, Rhabdomyolysis
Poor Performance- eg.,race horses who don’t train on, or finish out their races.
Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
Cushing’s Syndrome
PSSM
EPM- Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis
Shivers
Low thyroid can result in high adrenal/cortisol and can produce states of irritability, depression lack of sleep can cause a lot of other health issues. If you can get your cortisol and adrenal under control
By addressing the thyroid, these symptoms would normalise. A lot of horses are hyperactive or even those that are lethargic and fatigue easily, all have thyroid dysfunction.
For further advice on how to approach this problem and effective treatment protocols, please email me to arrange a consultation.
Bartonellosis is a gram negative bacterial infection with anyone or multiple Bartonella species. It is a co-infection of Lyme Disease. Bartonella like many other infectious bacteria utilize the immune system of the horses they infect as part of their infection strategy. If a horse has a pre existing arthritis the bacteria use the inflammatory process already occurring in the body to facilitate successful infection in any joint, the process is even easier. The inflammation present would be by itself stimulate the movement of infectious bacteria to that location. Without getting into the technicalities the bottom line is the ability of the parasite to establish an infection anywhere in the body successfully will depend on the initial immune response of the exposed host, hence the weaker or more compromised the Immune system(especially those under stress) the more likely the animal is to become infected.
Once this is established one must focus on the Cytokine Cascade that the organism produce in the body. Cytokines are small-signalling molecules released by the immune system and the glial cells of the nervous system, that are important in the intercellular communication in the body. When bacteria touches a cell, this cell gives off a signal, a cytokine, that tells the immune system what is happening and what the cell needs. Each type of infectious bacteria initiates a particular kind of cytokine cascade, that is, an initial and very powerful cytokine is released into the body, It is these cytokines, in fact, that create most of the symptoms that horses experience when they are ill.
Lyme, Bartonella and its Mycoplasma co-infections interact both in the vector that spreads them(for example a flea, tick, horsefly, spider etc.,) and then in the host they are transferred to.
The symptoms produced by Bartonella are difficult to diagnose. As it is not always circulating in the red blood cells it can evade any testing or blood samples taken.
It seems apparent that it seems to circulate more often in the early morning, or late evening when other biting insects are at large with the purpose of re populating itself from inside the host.
The list of predominant symptoms found to date in all or some of the infected horses can be found at the bottom of this page in Symptom Check List.
Veterinary Medicine Leads to Help for Suffering Humans Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM, is an infectious disease specialist at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, an adjunct professor of medicine at Duke University, and chief scientific officer. Bartonellosis is a poorly understood condition that is routinely overlooked by mainstream medicine. As a result, many cases go undiagnosed, leading to significant and unnecessary human and animal suffering and substantial costs to society. While available testing options for Bartonella have improved greatly in recent years, there is still no perfect Bartonella assay available. Even when bartonellosis is confirmed through testing, the success of available treatment options is variable, and Bartonella may establish itself as a chronic infection that requires longterm management.Fortunately for many of us, humans are not the only species affected by the genus Bartonella. In fact, much of the available research comes from the veterinary community, whereat Galaxy Diagnostics. Early in his career, he focused on vector-borne, intracellular pathogens, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever (caused by a Rickettsial bacterium) and Ehrlichia. Ehrlichia was discovered in animals decades before it was identified in humans. His attention later shifted to Bartonella due to the historical association of one Bartonella species, Bartonella henselae, with catscratch disease (CSD).The connection between the newly discovered bacterium and CSD was initially made by a rickettsiologist, Dr. Russ Regnery at the CDC, who recognized similarities between a newly isolated bacterium from an AIDS patient in Texas and bacteria visualized in lymph nodes of patients with CSD. Regnery made the first isolate of Bartonella henselae from acat and showed that cats can become chronically infected. This work was the catalyst that led Breitschwerdt down the path of unraveling the mysteries of Bartonella. As Breitschwerdt lectured at veterinary conferences about Bartonella illnesses in dogs, numerous veterinarians approached him to discuss their own health challenges, such as multiple sclerosislike conditions and rheumatoid-like diseases. Many had been sick for several years with no clearly defined diagnosis. When he started testing these veterinarians for Bartonella, his research team found that many of them tested positive for Bartonella DNA in their blood. If it were not for the translational research initially done with animals, the genus Bartonella and the disease bartonellosis would likely be even lesser known than they are today. This may be another example in which dogs truly are mans best friend.
HOW DOES A HORSE ACQUIRE BARTONELLOSIS/LYME ?
The usual mode of transmission to horses appears to be biting insect vectors: biting flies, mosquitos, ticks, dog fleas and cat fleas. Immature immune systems (orphan foals and foals weaned too early) are particularly vulnerable as seasons change (end of summer, early fall) when many insects go into a feeding frenzy prior to onset of winter and below freezing (insect killing) temperatures. Many horsemen believe that white or grey horses are more attractive to biting insects as opposed to solid and dark colored horses. This is not exactly true, as all horses are.
chronic inflammation in a wide range of tissues including the brain, bone marrow
delayed forward phase of stride at any or all gaits (slow bringing the leg(s) forward)
extensor rigidity / contracted flexor tendons
subluxating pasterns and/or fetlocks
upright angles in the fetlocks and pasterns
tendency to land toe first
dragging toes / toes worn flat
hanging one or both knees over a jump
hitting jumps with one or both hind shins
subluxating patella(s) (locking stifles)
curb (ruptured plantar ligament)
tallus fracture(s)
forging (clicking front heels with hind toes)
abrasions on front of pasterns from difficulty standing up
riding “as if the hand brake has not been released”
refusal to move forward (with or without rearing)
reluctance to bear weight on sore feet (hypersensitive soles)
muscle deconditioning and/or muscle spasms
total body soreness / uncomfortable posture
back soreness, topline muscle atrophy
dropped head syndrome
tendency to travel hollow backed and high headed
skipping / cross cantering / cross firing at the canter
fibromyalgia (EFMS) *** (see “The Fibromyalgia Horse”)
grunting / moaning / groaning under saddle
diaphragmatic muscle spasms (hiccups aka thumps)
esophageal muscle spasms (choke, swallowing problems)
laryngeal muscle spasms
displaced soft palate (with or without holding the breath)
chronic intercostal muscle soreness, cramping (ribs)
shivers *** (in 1, 2, 3 or 4 legs)
rigid muscles between hips and stifles (cording)
fibrotic myopathy *** (in one or both hind legs)
“thickened suspensories”
calcium deposits in tendons / tendon sheaths
rupture of the extensor carpi radialis (in one or both forearms)
audible ‘snap, crackle, pop’ from stifles and/or hocks
cardiac muscle fatigue (weak heart valves)
flaring nostrils at rest (chronic)
spontaneous periodic heavy breathing episodes
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD / heaves) ***
dribbling urine / odd urination habits
retained placenta (uterine atony)
leaky gut syndrome
constipation /scant dry manure OR diarrhea / colitis
herring gutted OR bloated abdomen
right dorsal colon ulcers
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ***
abundance of tape worms resistant to deworming
overgrowth of Candida in the large intestine
malabsorption of nutrients
gas colic (chronic)
epiploic foramen entrapment (seen at colic surgery)
gastrosplenic ligament entrapment (ditto)
stringhalt *** (in one or both hind legs)
neuritis of the cauda equina / polyneuritis ***
peripheral myoclonus
shifting leg lameness
lameness that shifts from front to back and/or side to side
“bridle lameness” (commonly lame on one diagonal)
frequent tripping on even and/or uneven ground
“stiff leg syndrome” (micro muscle spasms)
Microcirculation Deficits
sensitivity to cold weather, particularly cold and rain (regardless of blanketing)
absence of dapples (branches of the capillary tree)
pale mucous membranes (in mouth, pale tongue)
tendency to bleed
complications associated with poor tissue oxygenation
prolonged healing time (> 7 to 10 days)
surgical repair failures
wound dehiscence
fracture site non-unions
colic surgery anastomosis break-down
recurring ‘scratches’
scirrhous cord following castration
yeast-like secretions in the sheath (geldings and stallions)
low grade chronic endometritis ( mares)
overgrowth of organisms that thrive in low oxygen locales
maggots in poorly perfused wounds (Rx: desitin)
chronic thrush in and around the frogs
presence of common co-infections *** (all of these)
lyme disease (Borrelia)
babesiosis (Babesia)
protozoa (EPM in the cerebrospinal space)
toxoplasmosis (chronic)
leptospirosis (chronic)
tetanus (Clostridium tetani)
botulism (Clostridium botulinum)
“bastard strangles” (Strep equi)
salmonellosis (Salmonella sp.)
pigeon fever (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis)
fungal conditions resistant to treatment (“rain rot”)
chronic bacterial foot abscesses
brucellosis
poll evil
fistulous withers
late summer foal pneumonia (Rhodococcus equi)
Lawsonia intracellularis
quittor (necrosis of the collateral cartilage)
chronic laminitis ***
chronic exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up) (muscle damage and bleeding)
cording of lymphatic vessels
lymphangitis (usually in a hind leg previously injured)
cellulitis (recurring)
swollen liver (hepatomegaly)
swollen spleen (splenomegaly)
swollen joints (knees, hocks, stifles)
pericarditis (swollen pericardium)
peroneal nerve paralysis (consequence of a hind leg stuck under a fence)
radial nerve paralysis (historically linked to ill-fitting neck collars)
Head and Neck Issues
swollen eyelids
surface eye infections with tearing
random cranial nerve dysfunction
optic nerve
micro-ophthalmia (one or both eyes)
blindness (one or both eyes, normal outwardly)
ERU (equine recurrent uveitis) ***
depth perception deficits (altered spatial behavior)
preference for shade vs. bright light (sore eyes) or
refusal to move from bright light to dark shade
head shaking (photic) (Rx: guardian mask)
olfactory nerve
flehmen response (repetitive)
facial nerve
mouthiness
cribbing ***
nipping, biting, licking
chewing wood
facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)
teeth grinding / jaw clenching
vestibulocochlear nerve
hypersensitivity to sound (for example clippers)
balance problems (in a moving horse trailer)
trigeminal nerve
pruritis (itchy head during and after exercise)
exercise induced trigeminal neuralgia
head shaking (non-photic)
hypoglossal nerve
tongue laxity
odd compulsive habits involving the tongue
hypoglossal nerve palsy
neurogenic atrophy of various head and neck muscles (masseter, supraspinatus, etc.)
entrapment of the epiglottis
recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, partial paralysis, roaring
impaired drainage from salivary glands (mainly the parotids)
choke (that does not resolve without veterinary intervention)
dry mouth or excessive salivation
megesophagus (food lodges in the esophagus) ***
goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
sweet itch (topline pruritis along base of mane and/or base of tail)
alopecia areata (aka vitilago) (hair loss around eyes and/or muzzle) ***
equine sarcoid
squamous cell carcinoma
adenocarcinoma
Endocrine / Neurochemical Imbalances *** (all of these)
anhydrosis (non-sweater) OR excessive sweating
sudden total body hair loss
hyper-reactivity to vaccination (localized soft tissue inflammation)
delayed systemic allergic reaction to vaccination (colic within 30 days, laminitis)
severe allergic reactions to intravenous drugs
endocrinologic laminitis
food allergies
sensitive skin
callouses on one or both elbows
chronic “shoe boils” / capped elbow(s)
hypersensitivity to touch (ears, face, hind legs, blankets)
hypersensitivity to rain / bathing
hypersensitivity to strong sunlight (sun burn)
hypersensitivity to grooming tools
hypersensitivity to certain bedding
reactivity on girthing / hypersensitivity to tack
reactivity to shampoos, fly sprays, detergents, leather dye
hypersensitivity to insects and insect bites
sweet itch (mane and/or tail)
intense pruritis along ventral midline, sheath / udder
hair that stands on end in a linear pattern (along meridians)
birdcatcher spots (first documented in the Irish TB stallion Birdcatcher 1833-1860)
“skunk tail” (especially in combination with alopecia areata and/or birdcatcher spots)
neurotransmitter imbalances (neuroses)
explosive outbursts (low dopamine) (ex: bolting)
depression (low serotonin)
anger, aggression, temper tantrums
moodiness, grumpiness, argumentative attitude
changes in temperament (mild mannered to a bully)
panic attacks (fear based) (for little or no reason)
running backwards (during a panic attack)
violently pulling back while tied
tendency to kick walls, humans, other horses (violently)
tendency to dorsiflex violently and randomly (buck)
hallucinations / bizarre fearful behavior
frequent yawning (yawning resets neurotransmitters)
narcolepsy (falling asleep randomly and/or collapsing)
random seizures
proprioceptive deficits (anywhere on the body)
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
insulin resistance
cushing’s syndrome (early onset high serum cortisol)
peripheral Cushing’s
equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
altered estrus cycles (short or long, flagrant or silent)
cystic ovaries
chronic intermittent lactation (over months, years)
prolapsed uterus and/or retained placenta (after foaling)
testicles that are slow to fully descend / cryptorchidism (linked to ill behavior)
low testosterone / shy breeders
mineral depletion (Bartonella feeds on magnesium)
consistently inconsistent behavior from one day to the next
and/or from one season to the next
dangerously high levels of toxic metals on hair analysis
lead
aluminum
copper
arsenic
mercury
selenium
patchy sweating (magnesium +/- potassium depletion)
inability to relax (muscle twitching / trembling / prancing)
self mutilation (biting at chest)
repetitive behavior (weaving, stall walking, pacing)
neurotic separation anxiety
obsessive compulsive behavior patterns (OCD)
tendency to escape from normal horse enclosures
inability to tolerate changes in routines
shortened stride length going downhill
oxidative stress / improvement with large doses vitamin E
marked improvement with 10 grams Mg malate /day in diet
1. WHAT DOES BARTONELLA IN A HORSE LOOK LIKE ?
As a stealth pathogen, Bartonella is adept at staying under the radar of human recognition underneath a multitude of disguises. Clinical signs of a chronic Bartonella infection are mysterious in onset, appearance, severity and duration (periodicity). A relapsing bacteremia is expressed as multiple recurring deficiencies, a sliding scale of dysfunction much like a roller coaster; various system imbalances can produce polar opposite symptoms. Just like autism spectrum disorder, chronic Bartonellosis will induce a vastly different constellation of symptoms from one horse to the next. Stress is cumulative and so are the clues that reflect a lurking problem that defies description. Since the trajectory over time is toward autoimmunity, those conditions that correlate with serious immune system dysfunction (notated ***) are significant red flags in and of themselves; the presence of just a few of the many conditions listed below on this article called “Frequently Asked Questions” constitute grounds for further investigation into the possibility of chronic Bartonellosis.
2. IS THERE A TEST ?
Bartonella produces a relapsing bacteremia; some days it is floating freely in the circulation and some days not. For this reason, our chances of obtaining a positive test result are enhanced by collecting blood samples on at least 3 alternate days. The veterinarian sends all 3 samples with a completed submission form to Galaxy Diagnostics (www.galaxydx.com). Turn around time for results is 3 weeks. Galaxy uses a technology (BAPGM) that is considered the gold standard in Bartonella testing. For more information visit their website.
3. CAN A BARTONELLA INFECTION BE INHERITED ?
Yes. Evidence for transmission of infection from mother to offspring has been demonstrated in small rodents. There is growing anecdotal evidence that larger mammals (humans, horses) can also pass the infection along from one generation to the next. Much work needs to be done to elucidate this aspect of Bartonella epidemiology.
Treatment-both Lyme and Bartonellosis can be successfully treated with Chibese herbal medicine
EPM is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It’s caused by the microbe, Sarcocystis neurona, commonly found in the opossum. Research in other states suggests that about 10 to 33 percent of opossums are infected with the microbe in Michigan and Missouri. Horses that come in contact with infected opossum feces can develop neurologic disease.
Whilst EPM is more predominantly found in horses in the United States, there have of recent been cases found in Europe. There are different species of Sarcocystis one found in one Irish horse in 2020.
There are so many environmental illness becoming evident especially over the past decade, due to so many different toxins from air, water sources, feed and nutritional imbalances.
Thyroid function especially horses with Hypothyroid are more at risk of developing EPM and a lot of other autoimmune disorders, chronic stealth infections. These predominantly common environmental factors are leaving the door wide open for horses as they become so immunocompromised and vulnerable to attack from so many different Microfilarial parasites, Protozoal and zoonotic diseases.
Most horses presenting with Lyme disease also have underlying EPM, even though they may not be symptomatic.
Symptoms associated with EPM
• Hypersensitivity-sensitivity to noise, touch, tremors.
• Wormy, pot belly appearance, gastric and/or colonic ulcers
• Laminitis or chronic inflammatory conditions of the feet, poor hoof growth
• Moving short strided, especially in the rear
• Low stamina, weakness
• Adverse reactions to wormers or vaccinations
• Chronic allergies
• Unusual sensitivity at the girth
• Stiffness in the rear, most often the right hind
• Tightness in the muscles inside the upper legs and groin, causing a cow-hocked or knock-kneed appearance, splayed-out or toed-out feet especially hind feet
• Reluctance to pick feet up
• Hopping, changing leads at the canter, tripping
• Lameness most noticeable at the walk and the canter
• muscle spasms
• Toe dragging, landing more on toe, toe stabbing
• Right hind swings out
What is the best treatment for EPM/Environmental diseases.
Feeding good quality food that is not processed, Non GMO.
Providing balanced USB graded Chelated minerals, vitamins, amino acids
Avoid all Alfalfa, hay cubes.
Feed grass hay only
Deworming regularly (every three months)
Chinese herbal medicine is the most successful in the treatment of acute or chronic EPM
Periodic diarrhoea or loose stools, some may have hard, dry small stool depending on the stage of the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Drawn appearance to flank.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Grinding Teeth
Behavioral Problems
Irritability in general, specifically to grooming especially around the chest or abdomen
Resistant to going forward or responding to rider aids
Reluctance to jump, running out, bucking profusely.
Difficulty with left lead
Hyperactivity, nervousness, separation anxiety.
Notable Symptoms
Pain due to constriction and spasm of the Psoas Muscle
Vertebral Joint dysfunction especially in the lower lumbar, lumbo sacral region and withers.
Horses will often cross canter or refuse to pick up a specific lead, often on left diagonal, this is usually associated with pain in right hind due to the ulceration in the colon.
String halt
Shivers
EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)
Weakness of hind end particularly the right or off hind, can present with unexplained lameness off hind.
Susceptible to tendon or ligament problems usually occurring on left or near fore limb due to compensation from right hind pain and weakness. They can often be tight of the near shoulder/withers.
Bunny hopping action, short stride, cannot bring the right hind forward as far as the left hind in walk and canter.
Race horse riders have mentioned that some horses with ulcers will be very difficult to ride and often hang/lug badly.
Race horses will carry their head to the right to loosen the tight musculature on the right side of the body (resembles a tight elastic band stretched to the last from poll to sacrum)
Horses will hang or lug to the right when racing at speed.
Horses will lash out with hind legs especially when travelling or stressed, which in turn causes more injury or insult to hind end.
In some severe or chronic cases particularly in racehorses under stress and heavy work, it is important to monitor the amount of water they consume, as often they can suffer with dehydration. The bladder when full can press on the ulcerated colon and cause more pain so they often drink less water.
Acupuncture Diagnostic points to determine Ulcers in Horses
Stomach 10 (ST-10) Between the Sternomandibular m, and the ventral aspect of the brachiocephalic m, one hand cranial to the point of the shoulder.
Palpation of this point and applying pressure to ST-10 and using pressure drawing a line ventrally downwards of that muscle group will elicit pain.
Bladder 20 (BL 20) – Association point of the Spleen Meridian
3 cun lateral to the spinous border of the seventh thoracic vertebra, at the last intercostal space in the muscles iliocostalis groove
Bladder 21 (BL 21) – Association point of the Stomach Meridian
Caudal to the last rib (T18) at the thoracolumbar junction, 3 can lateral to the caudal border of the spinous process pf the eighteenth thoracic vertebra and the first lumbar vertebra.
Liver 13- Alarm point of the Spleen meridian
Distal end of the eighteenth rib
GB 25- Alarm point for the kidney meridian
Between the caudal border of the costochondral junction of the eighteenth rib and the lumbar muscles
Treatment for both EGUS and Colonic Ulcers.
Chinese Herbal Medicine- has been the most successful to date
Succeed Is another beneficial supplement.
Diet plays an important role in the health of the entire intestinal tract.
High roughage diets will benefit colonic ulcers
Regular deworming is crucial, with either chemical and herbal dewormers.
Discontinue all NSAID medication, if pain medicines are needed use alternative herbal medicines, all apart from Devil’s claw. Corydalis is a good option.
Pysillium, mucilloid x 5 tablespoons given 1-2 times daily
L Glutamine x 10-12 grams daily.
Slippery elm.
Ensure you feed a beneficial equine mineral, vitamin and amino acid balancer preferably without any fillers, or processed with heat. Ensure your supplements are made with a good source of organic chelated minerals that are highly bioavailable.
Never use Diatomaceous Earth
No Alfalfa nor Soy products
Maximum feed intake for maintenance horses 2-3 lbs per day for every 455kg body weight
Grass hay only and ensure no fertilizers like that of pig slurry, or glyphosate has been sprayed on the land it’s grown from.
Good quality green and clean hay preferably Timothy hay.
A good feed mix for a horse in maintenance is as follows:
Linseed meal , Rice bran, Organic oats.
Performance horses in hard or very hard work need up to 5-10lbs of carbohydrates per day.
Add steamed rolled oat groats and steamed rolled barley flakes(not suitable for horses with insulin resistance and metabolic disease)
Chinese herbal medicine has proven very effective in the treatment for both.
It addresses the following:
Neutralises excess acidity and balances the pH of the gastrointestinal tract
H Pylori infection
Clear any infection and toxicity in the gut.
Enhances liver function.
Epigastric, abdominal pain.
Ulceration and inflammation
Stops any bleeding ulcers.
Relieves gas in the intestines.
Settles the emotions and stress.
Helps them to relax and sleep without pain.
Aids in the digestion, break down and absorption of food.
Relieves food stagnation in the gut.
Kills parasites.
As 90% of the immune system is in the gastrointestinal tract it strongly enhances the function of the immune system, ensures a healthy microbiome in the gut.or ligament
We know that chronic bacterial stealth infections are synonymous with multiple system overlap. But we frequently fail to realize that chronic zoonotic parasitic infections are usually part of the total picture we label immune system compromise. Layers of infection are inevitable the longer a body is out of balance. Healers like to think of their work as ‘peeling the onion’. One layer that grows more omnipresent over time is that of worms with a filarial stage in their life cycle. Examples are Onchocerca cervicalis, Oxyuris equi and Setaria equina. Because these worms live under the skin conventional “fecal exams are not worth the paper they are printed on” (Marvin Cain, DVM) when it comes to these parasites. Additional concerns arise by virtue of the fact that systemic filariasis is perpetuated courtesy of a symbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia) belonging to the same phylogenetic class as Bartonella spp., an avenue currently being explored by the World Health Organization.
New questions we should be asking ourselves go something like this: are frequent draining foot abscesses and/or subsolar abscesses bacterial, microfilarial or both? Are ill defined (dormant) cysts seen on diagnostic imaging of stifles, hocks, fetlocks, navicular areas microfilarial? Are horses diagnosed with COPD harboring millions of microfilaria in their lungs? Are seasonal skin pruritis problems linked to microfilarial populations positioning themselves to be siphoned off by blood sucking insects? Are club feet associated with small vessels clogged with microfilaria acquired through the placenta? Are microfilarial parasites inhabiting the pituitary in IR and/or Cushings horses? Are a horse’s “Lyme/Bart” symptoms worse during a full moon because unrecognized microfilaria become active during certain lunar cycles? Are my horse’s symptoms consistent with ‘nocturnal periodicity’ typical of microfilariasis? Is there a symbiotic relationship between this group of parasites and chronic stealth bacteria? What role do microfilaria play in acute onset co-infections such as tetanus, neurologic herpes and so-called protozoal myelitis? What are the inter-relationships between chronic Lyme disease, brain fog and filariasis? A review of the Symptom Check List under Bartonellosis will spark a plethora of additional questions for the reader.
Parasite resistance to chemical dewormers (drugs) is a well documented phenomenon in horses. Traditional deworming plans almost never take into account the possibility of worms with microfilarial stages. Fortunately there are other more effective, essential methods with which we can effectively control Microfilaria with the use of chemical dewormers and customised herbal formulations proven when combined simultaneously can make enormous differences to our horses health and well being, albeit it is an ongoing maintenance program, as we have no control over the ever progressing insect population.
Filariasis Symptom Check List
by Brenda Bishop, VMD
“Good observation is your best tool.” – Elaine Hammel, VMD
“Birds of a feather flock together” as do Chronic Stealth Infections. Decades of routine chemical deworming delivered orally in paste form have contributed both directly (pastes and gels damage the immune system) and indirectly (drug resistant strains have had plenty of time to adjust and ultimately thrive) to the current state of affairs: horses carrying a wide array of opportunistic CSI’s. These infections can even be transmitted to foals via the placenta in utero. Where one or two stealth pathogens are present, there are many more hiding under the radar. Tape worms for example are next to impossible to test for, rarely seen in manure and survive in all kinds of weather. Worms with a microscopic filarial stage in their life cycle can reach epidemic proportions over a horse’s lifespan. Examples are Onchocerca spp, Oxyuris spp and Setaria spp. Like birds, blood sucking insects are ubiquitous team players. Mosquitos transmit Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm); sheep keds (blood sucking insects) are known to harbor both Bartonella and Wolbachia stealth bacteria. This fact alone links filarial worm populations with Bartonella presence. Wolbachia bacteria are distributed worldwide and promote fertility (production of microfilaria) from within adult heartworms, pinworms, threadworms, etc. The consummate team players, endosymbiotic Wolbachia strains modulate lipid metabolism (increase insulin sensitivity), alter mineral metabolism, and lurk in the background overshadowed by an array of protein aggregate, mitochondrial, and glycogen storage myopathies. Layers of symbiotic (mutually enhancing) relationships among a wide range of zoonotic stealth pathogens cannot be fully appreciated overnight. Knowing that ‘the horse will always tell you’, it falls on us to observe and interpret clues implicating CSI’s. Inevitably the Filariasis Symptom Check List and the Bartonellosis Symptom Check List will share a number of possible undesirable findings.
Chronic Protein Deficiency
thin sparse short mane / thinning hair / short wispy tail thin hoof walls / thin soles / chronic foot soreness chronic toe cracks / quarter cracks
neurotransmitter imbalances
delayed reactions / over reactions
anxiety / ‘brain fog’
leaky gut syndrome (LGS) / protein losing enteropathy
low serotonin levels (serotonin is made in the gut) ****depletion of vitamins B1, B6, iodine and glutamine food allergies
headaches
small fiber neuropathy (SFN)
chronic cellular oxidative stress
low dopamine (dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain are stressed) low glutathione (a critical anti-oxidant)
Drainage / Microcirculation Deficits
cold feet (feet should always be warm to the touch)
hypothermia / intense violent shivering (usually in cold rain / snow) necrosis of the collateral cartilage (‘quittor’)
frostbite (ears primarily)
swollen painful inguinal lymphatics (groin area)
swollen painful axillary lymphatics (elbow area)
chronic progressive lymph edema (CPL)
swollen painful parotid salivary glands (throat area)
swollen painful submandibular lymph nodes (lower jaw area) choke / slow to swallow food and water / epiglottis dysfunction dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP)
patchy sweating / excessive sweating / anhidrosis
belching / burping (lower GI tract / liver)
lymphatic channel pooling and/or dehiscence / leaking
poll evil
fistulous withers
hygroma / bursitis of the elbow (olecranon)
tender girth area (channel between the withers and elbow) swollen udder with or without discharge (mares)
swollen painful sheath (geldings and stallions)
swollen scrotum (stallions)
‘scratches’ (lower legs)
‘rain rot’ (predominantly topline, lower hind legs)
wind galls / wind puffs (suspensory / flexor tendons) chronic lacrimation (one or both eyes)
Gravity Dependent Edema / Weakened Weight Bearing Posture
sway back / high head carriage / loss of topline musculature
pot belly (with or without bloating)
‘ewe neck’
dropped sternum
dropped head syndrome (head and neck fall down between the scapulas) collapse of ligamentum nuchae
tendon laxity (foals, young horses)
digital suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) (old horses)
sheared heels (usually in one or both front feet bearing 60% total body weight) pleural effusion
Behavior Abnormalities (frequently worse around a full moon)
intense itching/ scratching (with or without nocturnal periodicity)
head (near poll / eyes / sinuses / facial crest) rectal area / tail head area
upper ribs
lower back / sacroiliac area
ventral midline
chest area / ventral lower neck udder area / sheath area
groin area (high inside hind legs)
random violent stomping one or more legs (usually the right hind)
dribbling urine / straining to urinate / hematuria
sporadic explosive outbursts / running straight backwards violently / bolting violent spasmotic dorsiflexion of lower back (bucking)
jittery, nervous habits (usually wax and wane)
holding one deep breath while running
ear pinning flat back against poll area / anger
ear sensitivity / tinnitis
head pressing / headaches
head shaking (guardian mask can differentiate photic vs nonphotic)
bruxism (teeth grinding)
cribbing (synonomous with severe depletion of dopamine and glutathione) depth perception deficits / ‘my space – your space’ issues
altered / sporadic estrus cycles
failure to thrive (foals)
depression / dull facial expression
adverse IV drug reactions
adverse vaccination reactions
hypersensitivity to sedatives with or without hematuria
biting insect allergies
hypersensitivity to light / moon blindness (ERU)
hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields
sensitivity to freezing weather, rain, snow (excessive shivering)
balance problems / falling down in a moving horse trailer
rearing / falling over backwards / pulling back violently while tied
random transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s) / sudden collapse
seizures (see SLE symptom check list)
Co-infections
Wolbachia spp (thousands of strains in nature) / endosymbionts of filarial worms Bartonella spp (discovery of new species is ongoing) / Bartonellosis
Borrelia spp (at least 50 species in nature) / Lyme Disease
Babesia spp / Equine Piroplasmosis
Ehrlichia equi / Anaplasmosis
Neorickettsiae risticii / Potomac Horse Fever
maggots (in dark low oxygen locations such as feet, inner sheath, tail bones) Leptospira serovars (discovery of new species is ongoing) / Leptospirosis Toxoplasma spp (intracellular protozoal parasites) / Toxoplasmosis
Sarcocystis spp (intracellular protozoal parasites) / Equine Protozoal Myelitis Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis / Pigeon Fever
Candida and numerous other fungal species
thyroid gland dysfunction / ‘goiter’
‘ vitreous floaters (detached collagen fibers) with or without ERU (uveitis)
keratitis that waxes and wanes (usually middle age and older horses) ‘parasitic’ / ‘eosinophilic’ keratitis
immune mediated keratitis (IMMK)
keratitis with secondary fungal overgrowth
carbuncles 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter with central bulls eye (sheath area) acquired white spots / multiple polka dots (‘birdcatcher spots’) / ‘skunk tail’ disseminated granulomatosis (see SLE symptom list)
Myopathies
autoimmune myopathies
myasthenia gravis (Shivers)
systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) (see SLE symptom check list) equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) (spasms in ciliary bodies)
transverse myelitis / myositis consistent with thiamine (B1) depletion
Equine Metabolic Disease along with Equine Autoimmune Disease and evident parasite burdens are on the increase and becoming an epidemic in our equine populations worldwide, not to mention all other species of domesticated animals.
I examine just a few of these in this article and the strong correlation and possible connection to our land and the loss of soil Biodiversity. There is so much irrefutable scientific evidence that our planet is polluted from the overuse of chemicals and pesticides on the land. What significance does this have and what are the consequences for the health and wellbeing of our animals, not to mention ourselves?
How do we begin to fully understand the moving parts of this Ecosystem?
Soil Biodiversity:
Soil biodiversity is one of the richest, most complex biological communities on earth – it is home to a larger share of biodiversity and genetic diversity than tropical forests. This publication aims to raise awareness of the critical importance of soil and soil biodiversity. In addition, it highlights some good practice land management techniques that can be adopted to support the generation and regeneration of healthy soil.
Healthy soil depends on the vibrant range of life that lives below the ground, from bacteria and fungi to tiny insects, earthworms and moles. Together, this rich biodiversity brings immeasurable benefits for life on Earth. These include recycling nutrients and enhancing plant health, storing and purifying water, providing antibiotics and preventing erosion, and even mitigating climate change. And although these benefits are largely invisible to us, we benefit from them more than we could ever know. They are of vital importance to our world.
The diversity of our soils is shown by the wonderful range of biodiversity on display above ground. This means that if we do not care for soil, we put even greater strain on our biodiversity, and ultimately on our own sustainability. Endangered birds and butterflies call for our attention, but what of the ‘bugs’ and bacteria that inhabit our soil; do earthworms, springtails, soil mites and microbes enjoy the same level of attention?
The mites, lice and bacteria that inhabit the world beneath our feet are vital for maintaining balanced ecosystems and agricultural production – quite simply, we could not live without them.
A fertile soil provides the nutrients for the food we consume; its organisms form the base of the food chain for many carnivorous and herbivorous insects, birds and mammals. Soil acts like a sponge to soak up water and reduce the risk of floods; it acts as a sink for carbon dioxide and other gases and so contributes to the regulation of our climate. Exploitation of healthy soil has allowed our populations to grow and enjoy improvements in health and wellbeing. However, the cultivation of food, feed and fibre can damage soil quality and reduce its capacity to provide agricultural and other ecosystem services. Our reliance on soil and soil organisms affects a use of these natural resources that is potentially unsustainable.
Agriculture has an acknowledged impact on the health of soil and soil organisms; fortunately, research has fostered the development of technologically advanced soil-friendly agricultural practices which can in fact enhance the natural engineering processes that take place within soil. Appropriate land management can allow the sustainable coexistence of agriculture and biodiversity – including soil biodiversity. Soils will benefit from a wider uptake of soil-friendly management practices, and whilst this is something that can be regulated at a national, regional or local level, a broader soil protection strategy could provide the framework for improving the overall standards of soil management. If we understand the value of soil, we have incentive for its protection; if we are aware of good agricultural practices, we have guidance for its sustainable use.
There are many ways in which we can accomplish the protection our soil biodiversity and this magnificent ecosystem, and make necessary changes in how we nurture the land by giving it back the nutrients it requires to sustain our present day agricultural requirements. All of which are vital, so that farmers and land managers, may continue to provide us with the wide variety of nutritious food and the living countryside that we enjoy today.
Humus is the name given to the stable end product of the microbial break-down of plant and animal residues in the soil. It occurs in different types, depending on humidity and temperature, in various degradation stages, in forms of mixtures with mineral components and a variability of living soil organisms. Humus can hold 3-5 times its own weight in moisture, it therefore increases a soil’s capacity to withstand drought conditions.
It takes somewhere between 100 and 300 years for 1cm of humus to develop in top soil. Humus is dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays.When plants drop leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground, it piles up. This material is called leaf litter. When animals die, their remains add to the litter. Over time, all this litter decomposes. This means it decays, or breaks down, into its most basic chemical elements. Many of these chemicals are important nutrients for the soil and organisms that depend on soil for life, such as plants.The thick brown or black substance that remains after most of the organic litter has decomposed is called humus. Earthworms often help mix humus with minerals in the soil.
Humus contains many useful nutrients for healthy soil. One of the most important is nitrogen. Nitrogen is a key nutrient for most plants. Agriculture depends on nitrogen and other nutrients found in humus. Some experts think humus makes soil more fertile. Others say humus helps prevent disease in plants and food crops. When humus is in soil, the soil will crumble. Air and water move easily through the loose soil, and oxygen can reach the roots of plants.
“Humus is therefore “Vital for Life” and if Humus goes then so do we”
Salinity, toxicity and extremes in soil pH (acid or alkaline) result in poor biomass production and, thus in reduced additions of organic matter to the soil. For example, pH affects humus formation in two ways: decomposition, and biomass production. In strongly acid or highly alkaline soils, the growing conditions for micro-organisms are poor, resulting in low levels of biological oxidation of organic matter (Primavesi, 1984). Soil acidity also influences the availability of plant nutrients and thus regulates indirectly biomass production and the available food for soil biota. Fungi are less sensitive than bacteria to acid soil conditions.
The Power of Photosynthesis:
In the miracle of photosynthesis, a process that takes place in the chloroplasts of green leaves, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and water (H2O) from the soil, are combined to capture light energy and transform it to biochemical energy in the form of simple sugars. These simple sugars – commonly referred to as ‘photosynthate’ – are the building blocks for life in and on the earth. Plants transform sugar to a great diversity of other carbon compounds, including starches, proteins, organic acids, cellulose, lignin, waxes and oils.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains are ‘packaged sunlight’ derived from photosynthesis. The oxygen in our cells and the cells of other living things utilise during aerobic respiration is also derived from photosynthesis. We have a lot to thank green plants for!
Significantly, many of the carbon compounds derived from the simple sugars formed during photosynthesis are also essential to the creation of well-structured topsoil from the lifeless mineral soil produced by the weathering of rocks. Without photosynthesis there would be no soil. Weathered rock minerals, yes … but fertile topsoil, no.
Please read these articles for an in depth understanding of the importance of Biodiversity and Soil Restoration.
Why do Fructans, Sugars and Starches Accumulate on Grass?
Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between a fungus and plant roots. The fungus colonises the roots of the host plant, either intracellularly or extracellularly. This association provides the fungus with relatively constant and direct access to glucose and sucrose produced by the plant in photosynthesis. In return, the plant gains the use of the mycelium’s very large surface area to absorb water and mineral nutrients from the soil, thus improving the mineral absorption capabilities of the plant roots. Since both involved organisms benefit from the interaction, it is defined as a mutualistic association.
There seems to be no doubt in the importance of the soil and its ecosystem, having an understanding of this system allows us to fully comprehend how our grasses have changed and the very basic nutrition is lost. It certainly has to have an effect on the amount of sugars and starches that are accumulating on our grasses that have become harmful to our horses – especially those who suffer with metabolic disease. Higher levels of toxic minerals like iron and heavy metals are also evident and the losses in minerals that keep balance are declining.
So, understanding that this process of photosynthesis, the importance of the soil and its ecosystem, leads to a healthy soil biodiversity with an ecosystem that is functioning at its optimum. This provides nutritional grasses as nature intended.
In the ideal world, these plants that make sugar – sucrose, glucose and fructose which are after all food for the soil, are readily taken up by the vibrant range of life that lives below the ground, from bacteria and fungi to tiny insects, earthworms and moles.
These sugars and starches should be immediately taken from the stems directly into the longer roots, (roots that should be several feet in length, as opposed to inches) as they are food for the soil and root systems. Therefore they don’t accumulate on grasses as they are presently, instead they are utilised much faster and absorbed by the range of life that needs them to feed the soil.
Together, this rich biodiversity brings immeasurable healthy soils and plants alike.
So the question is what can we all do about this? Here we are with a basic understanding of the necessity of healthy soil biodiversity and what we can all do to make some very important changes in order to help our horses.
The old saying of “Dr Grass” doesn’t exist anymore due to the loss of this ecosystem that keeps our grasses healthy and providing our animals with the essential macro and micro minerals, keeping the sugars, starches etc, under control especially for these Metabolic horses. Changes necessary begin with the soil, there are many things we can do. First we need to give back import nutrients to the soil, using natural fertiliser’s such as Sobac to enhance the root systems and the whole soil biodiversity. Glyphosate is so dangerous to horses and they are exposed to this extremely toxic weed killer from neighbouring tillage farmers constantly spraying their land. It can cause liver failure and locks in minerals like copper and zinc.
Key Points Highlighting a Few of the Equine Diseases on the Rise Worldwide:
Key Point 1 – Chronic Stealth Infections:
According to Dr Bishop VMD, Chronic Stealth infections now exist in epidemic proportions worldwide like that of Lyme disease and its co-infections – Bartonellosis (bacterial infection with any one or multiple Bartonella species). Bartonella like many other infectious bacteria utilise the immune system of the horses they infect as part of their infection strategy. The consequences of these infections are having negative effects on the whole systemic system causing a myriad of health problems. The result of a disabled immune system, is an important aspect of both Lyme disease and Bartonellosis. Bartonellosis is explained in full here – www.equineshivers.com
It is certain that the connection between Zoonic Diseases and the ecosystem will be fully revealed in time, but presently the lack of soil biodiversity and a non-functioning ecosystem has a part to play in the whole process. It certainly isn’t simple to explain fully as there are so many aspects to this and it’s relationship to equine diseases.
The healthy bacterium and certain species of the all important insect populations in the soil are diminishing rapidly and hence the unwanted ones are increasing, like that of ticks, all biting insects in which the population is escalating due to the loss of the mammals and other insects, healthy bacteria, that kept some control on the their population.
Some very interesting reading here to denote that there is a connection to loss of Biodiversity and worldwide patterns of zoonotic disease outbreaks.
New questions we should be asking ourselves go something like this: are frequent draining foot abscesses and/or subsolar abscesses bacterial, microfilarial or both? Are ill defined (dormant) cysts seen on diagnostic imaging of stifles, hocks, fetlocks, navicular areas microfilarial? Are horses diagnosed with COPD harboring millions of microfilaria in their lungs? Are seasonal skin pruritis problems linked to microfilarial populations positioning themselves to be siphoned off by blood sucking insects? Are club feet associated with small vessels clogged with microfilaria acquired through the placenta? Are microfilarial parasites inhabiting the pituitary in IR and/or Cushings horses? Are a horse’s “Lyme/Bart” symptoms worse during a full moon because unrecognized microfilaria become active during certain lunar cycles? Are my horse’s symptoms consistent with ‘nocturnal periodicity’ typical of microfilariasis? Is there a symbiotic relationship between this group of parasites and chronic stealth bacteria? What role do microfilaria play in acute onset co-infections such as tetanus, neurologic herpes and so-called protozoal myelitis? What are the inter-relationships between chronic Lyme disease, brain fog and filariasis? A review of the Symptom Check List under Bartonellosis will spark a plethora of additional questions for the reader.
Examples of equine Microfilaria are Onchocerca cervicalis, Oxyuris equi and Setaria equina. Because these worms are circulating in the blood and tissues conventional “fecal exams are not worth the paper they are printed on” (Marvin Cain, DVM) when it comes to these parasites. Other examples of filariasis are Wucheria bancrofti and Brugia spp. causing Infections in the Lymphatic System, and enlargement of Lymph Nodes.
Loa Loa- Loaiasis , female worms migrate through the eyes. Onchocerca volvulus or skin filariasis forming large nodules under skin or found in the eyes (causing ERU or blindness). Trichomonas Vaginalis -sexually transmitted affecting the mucosal tissue of the genital tract and usually can cause cystic ovaries in mares. Echinococcus Granulosus – causing cyst formation in liver, lung or brain. The list is extensive and more research is needed obviously to fully understand the concept and find more evidence that these are currently problematic in our equines.
Parasite resistance to chemical dewormers (drugs) is a well documented phenomenon in horses. Traditional deworming plans almost never take into account the possibility of worms with microfilarial stages. Fortunately there are other more effective, essential methods with which we can effectively control Microfilaria with the use of cattle dewormers and customised herbal formulations proven when combined can make enormous differences to our horses health and well being, albeit it is an ongoing maintenance program.
The Dung Beetle activity in controlling the parasites and flies that affect livestock, pets and people, and secondary seed dispersal, have become almost extinct, but the question is why?
Of course it is all about What Lies beneath this amazing ecosystem. It simply is not functioning as nature intended it to. The loss of the dung beetle and over grazing are consequences of how we have interfered with the whole system. These consequences are becoming more evident each day, and there are so many layers to this whole ecosystem.
So once again it all comes back to good management and respectively we all need to take responsibility for the part we play in Biodiversity.
Here are some photos of horses that were wormed with moxidectin and followed up with a herbal blend. The reactions are quite fascinating.
Case 1: This photo is the result of a mare that was treated with Moxidectin and then followed with a herbal wormer. Typical die off symptoms. She became very itchy and this swelling appeared on her face. It has since disappeared and the mare is doing well.
Case 2:
Note the distinct line here on his shoulders just across the spine off the scapula., about twelve inches below the withers. This is common in horses that have chronic threadworm.
Case 3: Pin Worms and Thread worms (4 yr old TB Gelding with Bartonella):
Case 4:
Grey Mare dosed with Moxidectin and herbal de-wormers – obvious die off of Threadworms and Pinworms:
Things you can look out for that may indicate that your horses may have a parasite burden or Microfilara:
Dry unproductive chronic cough of unknown origin, like that of COPD/RAD/EIPH.
Unusual swellings/lumps on the skin sometimes hard and callus in nature
Severe itchiness
Sweet Itch or allergic skin conditions
Chronic Lymph node swelling
Lymphangitis or cellulitis
Hypersensitivity
Recurrent conjuntivitis, or Equine Recurrent Uveitis
Abdominal spasm/pain or colic
Poor hair coat-yellow tinge especially around rib cage and top line
Pot-bellied appearance
Weight loss
Chronic Laminitis or Insulin Resistance
Foot pain with chronic sub-solar abscessing or dormant filariasis cysts
Pain over the Nuchal Ligament, Rhomboid Muscles, Sacro-IIliac pain
ERU- Equine recurrent Uveitis
Parasites can cause a multitude of problems systemically:
Recurrent or fatal colic
EGUS or Colonic Ulcers
Ulcerated and bleeding digestive system
Damage to the liver and other internal organs
Anemia
Damaged and irritated lungs and blood vessel damage
It is evident that thread worms or scientifically know as Onchocerca Spp are the cause of Sweet Itch in horses.
We can, however, do so much to help our horses by incorporating herbal de-wormers in conjunction with certain chemicals. They certainly do work and there have been dramatic results with their use, although they need to be given frequently and over a few weeks each time, preferably up to and after a full moon. They can be added to the feed daily and horses find them very palatable. Fortunately they do not become resistant to the herbs.
Rotating grazing and not over populating pastures with horses is important. You need a minimum of 3 acres per horse. Incorporating herbal Anthelmintic plants in our pastures can also help. We need to be careful that the horses aren’t building up a resistance to chemical wormers and this approach can help this current problem.
Key Point 3 – Equine Metabolic Syndrome & Grass Sickness:
Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Grass Sickness – definitely associated with EMS – is yet another new disease, that is on the rise in our Equines especially in the UK. There is no doubt that there is a strong correlation to the specific grasses that are grown on land with adverse soil biodiversity and mineral disruption.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in a horse’s environment may play a role in the development of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), according to new research. Equine metabolic syndrome, which has no cure with conventional treatment approach is characterised by endocrine abnormalities in horses and ponies. Affected horses and ponies have a tendency to develop pockets of fat and/or become obese, and they have altered insulin dynamics.
EMS also is one of the most common causes of laminitis, a painful and very debilitating inflammation of tissue in a horse’s hooves, leading to reduced performance, and in severe cases necessitating euthanasia.
Nutritional needs generally are not being met in accordance with the NRC Council. We are all subject to using Complementary Feed Supplements and with all the scientific research done to date, it is coming to our awareness that there is a substantial need for independent balanced nutrition and the use of nutraceuticals to promote health and wellbeing, for proper growth and development, general health and healthy immune system in our horses.
The use of proper balanced nutrition and correct farm management can be achieved by each one of us taking responsibility for what our horses eat.
There is science behind the actual daily requirements of essential nutrients and that understanding is very advanced today. The most successful method of achieving this is to have our forage, grasses and grains tested and having a nutritional analysis done to determine what is in need of balancing, whether there are deficiencies or excesses and balancing accordingly.
Then apply the science to the level of work a horse is under, maintenance or if used for breeding purposes. This does indeed assist the horses in performance and work and helps them to cope with the demands we put on them both physically and emotionally.
The question for us all is – does all this really work? And if it does, is it sustainable? How do we re-acquire all minerals in the soil that supplied ‘Dr Grass’ once upon a time?
Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus are extremely important minerals and need to be balanced correctly. They are vital components of the diet and as they require the correct pH of the land to thrive. They are important for growth and development in young and growing foals and yearlings. If these essential minerals aren’t adequate then there will be bone related diseases like that of Osteo Chrondritis dissections (OCD), splints in young horse in training, etc. A neutral pH encourages a greater and more diverse population than acid soil for these minerals to flourish.
Boron is also another very important mineral that is lacking in our soils.
Soil analysis has confirmed the low levels of this nutrient.
The role of boron in humans and animals has long been known to be diverse. An animal’s inability to access boron from their diet will:
Reduce the horse’s ability to reduce inflammation – for example horses with laminitis will be especially prone to an inability to reduce inflammation.
Swollen joints will subside very slowly. This is associated with the animal’s inability to synthesise lipoxygenase – an enzyme that helps control inflammation.
General movement will be restricted due to the collective effect of the inflammation.
Old and young animals will display an inability to maintain bone density and be slow to recover from injury.
Sensitive feet, or poor hoof health, is often a problem associated with a lack of boron. This will obviously be exacerbated if the horse is suffering from laminitis.
Boron and magnesium are both required to enable a horse to metabolise calcium. Without adequate access to both elements bone loss will steadily accelerate, which often stimulates the development of osteoporosis.
If your horse is lacking ‘mental alertness’ and underperforming, then a lack of boron can often be the problem.
Boron is distributed throughout the body with the highest concentration in the parathyroid glands, followed by bones and dental enamel. Their Parathyroids need help, with the recommended minerals containing Cal+Mag+Boron. Boron is essential for healthy bone and joint function, regulating the absorption and metabolism of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus through its influence on the parathyroid glands. With this boron is for the parathyroids what iodine is for the thyroid.
Boron deficiency causes the parathyroids to become overactive, releasing too much parathyroid hormone which raises the blood level of calcium by releasing calcium from bones and teeth.
This then leads to osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis, osteoporosis and tooth decay.
With advancing age high blood levels of calcium lead to calcification of soft tissues causing muscle contractions and stiffness; calcification of endocrine glands, especially the pineal gland and the ovaries; arteriosclerosis, kidney stones, and calcification of the kidneys ultimately leading to kidney failure. This is so very important for very obvious reasons in horses that suffer with all types of myopathies, including Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (Tying -Up), PSSM- (Polysaccharide storage myopathy) and HYPP- (Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis)
Symptoms and diseases often associated with Equine Metabolic Syndrome/Grass Sickness/ that are relevant and can be successfully treated with herbal medicine, the correct diet and nutraceuticals:
Insulin Resistance
Chronic Stealth Infection – Auto Immune Disease – Lyme/Bartonella
Microcirculation deficit disorders
Chronic bacterial foot abscessing/Microfilaria/Filariasis Cysts – leading to bridle lameness and foot pain
Chronic lung infections RAD/COPD/EIPH
Seasonal allergies
Gastric and /or Colonic ulcers
Cribbing
Retention of food fermenting in the gut-Hard, dry droppings (Constipation)
Leaky gut syndrome
Immunocompromised
Extremely toxic or endotoximia
Nutritional deficiencies eg. (Iron overload) due to lack soil biodiversity, lack of copper and other vital minerals
Insulin Resistance and EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) is not curable but can be managed exceptionally well. It is generally found in horse breeds that have a slow metabolic rate, but it is on the rise in fast metabolic rate horses like Thoroughbreds.
It therefore takes good management on behalf of the owners and this is the main reason I feel that there is a definite connection between the lack of soil biodiversity of the land and pastures – that our horses are grazing on and of course where all our forage sources come from – and the increase in all Metabolic diseases in horses
Genetics play a role in this but that can be changed or altered with the use of Epigenetics, in that biological mechanisms that can switch genes on or off using good nutritional management and eliminating any stress that horses may be exposed to. Due to serious soil biodiversity problems our grass roots are only inches deep, instead of ideally being a few feet deep .
It then makes perfect sense that the sugars, starches that are essential food for the soil are lingering on the leaf and stems, and not being dispersed into the root system as they should.
This gives us food for thought and given the critical situation worldwide with soil biodiversity, we are creating an environment that simply does not sustain our horses and each of us are responsible for these increasing health issues in our horses. We all need to take some action, and knowledge is key to understanding the necessary changes we all can make.
If we continue to overuse chemical fertilisers and pesticides we are robbing the land of a vital ecosystem. This can only produce grasses, forage and grains that are lacking in vital nutrients, or even worse an excess of toxic minerals. There is a price to pay and consequences of using forage and grains that are grown on soil that is starved of nutrients. The soil needs nutrients but it has to be sustained with specific products, eg. SOBAC.
Bottom line – we all can change this?
Obviously making significant changes to the biodiversity is the key to making some dramatic changes.
But what are our options available to make necessary changes – controlling sugars and parasites and achieving pastures that are healthier, providing proper balanced nutrition with natural and organic products? By taking these baby steps each of us can have an effect on our own pastures and make changes that are extremely positive.
Using Sobac Products ‘Bacteriosol’ and ‘Bacteriolit’, instead of chemical fertilisers
Using Fulvic and Humic acid as a soil dressing to maintain and increase the organic matter
Growing healthy grasses, using specific grass seeds that are suitable for horses, like Timothy, Meadow Fescue, Cocksfoot.
Incorporating anti-parasitic herb seeds like Sainfoin, Yarrow, Fenugreek, Birdsfoot trefoil, Thyme to our pastures
Reduce Overgrazing, starving grass may be higher in sugar. Overgrazing forces horses to eat only the lower portions of grass plants, where the concentration of NSC is higher. Starving grasses are usually due to loss of soil biodiversity. Higher risk of parasites.
Minimum of 3 acres per horse, rotation of stock, grass harrowing on hot days, regular grass topping
Growing trees and hedges to sustain wildlife, and the bees.
Using Herbal de-wormers simultaneously with chemicals
Incorporate balanced minerals, vitamins and amino acids into daily diet
Keep feeding as natural and organic as possible, high in fibre (Omit processed, GMO Feeds)
What is Sobac?
There are amazing products like SOBAC that is a natural fertiliser developed by Marcel Menzy, a French farmer in the 80s. Available in Ireland from P & T Stapleton Ltd.
SOBAC contains Bacteriolit and Bacteriosal which are made up of a complex of micro-organisms which improves the level of micro-life in the soil, allowing the soil to fulfil its full natural cycle. It helps to transform organic matter into humus. Any positively charged element is naturally fixed on to the clay humid complex via the law of attraction as the clay humid complex is negatively charged.
The more humus you have in the soil, the more minerals you will fix and prevent from leaching. The pH will neutralise and the land can sustain the products Bacteriolit and Bacteriosal. There is significant reduction of weeds like docks, ragworts and buttercup. It provides you with the advantages of having drier land due to better drainage, and allowing horses have more winter access to grass.
I understand that you may be thinking that this is totally out of your reach, but just take a leaf out of their book. If we all take baby steps and incorporate new healthy grasses and herbs, use natural and organic fertilisers like that of SOBAC /Fulvic or Humic Acid and each of us can make steady progress each year to help and change our pastures for the better. If on the other hand we keep taking from the land without putting something back then we will evidently create more problems.
We can all help to show others how they too can make changes. We need to recognise that the marketing of chemical fertiliser companies and the financial pressures of both farming and horses as a business have forced us down a path which, unknowingly, has in the end proven to be detrimental. There are other more profitable measures we can take to farm safely and for all our sakes, both human and animal.
Bartonellosis is a gram negative bacterial infection with anyone or multiple Bartonella species. It is a co-infection of Lyme Disease. Bartonella like many other infectious bacteria utilize the immune system of the horses they infect as part of their infection strategy. If a horse has a pre existing arthritis the bacteria use the inflammatory process already occurring in the body to facilitate successful infection in any joint, the process is even easier. The inflammation present would be by itself stimulate the movement of infectious bacteria to that location. Without getting into the technicalities the bottom line is the ability of the parasite to establish an infection anywhere in the body successfully will depend on the initial immune response of the exposed host, hence the weaker or more compromised the Immune system(especially those under stress) the more likely the animal is to become infected.
Once this is established one must focus on the Cytokine Cascade that the organism produce in the body. Cytokines are small-signalling molecules released by the immune system and the glial cells of the nervous system, that are important in the intercellular communication in the body. When bacteria touches a cell, this cell gives off a signal, a cytokine, that tells the immune system what is happening and what the cell needs. Each type of infectious bacteria initiates a particular kind of cytokine cascade, that is, an initial and very powerful cytokine is released into the body, It is these cytokines, in fact, that create most of the symptoms that horses experience when they are ill.
Lyme, Bartonella and its Mycoplasma co-infections interact both in the vector that spreads them(for example a flea, tick, horsefly, spider etc.,) and then in the host they are transferred to.
The symptoms produced by Bartonella are difficult to diagnose and even recognise. As it is not always circulating in the red blood cells it can evade any testing or blood samples taken.
Veterinary Medicine Leads to Help for Suffering Humans Edward Breitschwerdt, DVM, is an infectious disease specialist at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, an adjunct professor of medicine at Duke University, and chief scientific officer. Bartonellosis is a poorly understood condition that is routinely overlooked by mainstream medicine. As a result, many cases go undiagnosed, leading to significant and unnecessary human and animal suffering and substantial costs to society. While available testing options for Bartonella have improved greatly in recent years, there is still no perfect Bartonella assay available. Even when bartonellosis is confirmed through testing, the success of available treatment options is variable, and Bartonella may establish itself as a chronic infection that requires longterm management.Fortunately for many of us, humans are not the only species affected by the genus Bartonella. In fact, much of the available research comes from the veterinary community, whereat Galaxy Diagnostics. Early in his career, he focused on vector-borne, intracellular pathogens, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever (caused by a Rickettsial bacterium) and Ehrlichia. Ehrlichia was discovered in animals decades before it was identified in humans. His attention later shifted to Bartonella due to the historical association of one Bartonella species, Bartonella henselae, with catscratch disease (CSD).The connection between the newly discovered bacterium and CSD was initially made by a rickettsiologist, Dr. Russ Regnery at the CDC, who recognized similarities between a newly isolated bacterium from an AIDS patient in Texas and bacteria visualized in lymph nodes of patients with CSD. Regnery made the first isolate of Bartonella henselae from acat and showed that cats can become chronically infected. This work was the catalyst that led Breitschwerdt down the path of unraveling the mysteries of Bartonella. As Breitschwerdt lectured at veterinary conferences about Bartonella illnesses in dogs, numerous veterinarians approached him to discuss their own health challenges, such as multiple sclerosislike conditions and rheumatoid-like diseases. Many had been sick for several years with no clearly defined diagnosis. When he started testing these veterinarians for Bartonella, his research team found that many of them tested positive for Bartonella DNA in their blood. If it were not for the translational research initially done with animals, the genus Bartonella and the disease bartonellosis would likely be even lesser known than they are today. This may be another example in which dogs truly are mans best friend.
HOW DOES A HORSE ACQUIRE BARTONELLOSIS/LYME ?
The usual mode of transmission to horses appears to be biting insect vectors: biting flies, mosquitos, ticks, dog fleas and cat fleas. Immature immune systems (orphan foals and foals weaned too early) are particularly vulnerable as seasons change (end of summer, early fall) when many insects go into a feeding frenzy prior to onset of winter and below freezing (insect killing) temperatures. Many horsemen believe that white or grey horses are more attractive to biting insects as opposed to solid and dark colored horses. This is not exactly true, as all horses are.
chronic inflammation in a wide range of tissues including the brain, bone marrow
delayed forward phase of stride at any or all gaits (slow bringing the leg(s) forward)
extensor rigidity / contracted flexor tendons
subluxating pasterns and/or fetlocks
upright angles in the fetlocks and pasterns
tendency to land toe first
dragging toes / toes worn flat
hanging one or both knees over a jump
hitting jumps with one or both hind shins
subluxating patella(s) (locking stifles)
curb (ruptured plantar ligament)
tallus fracture(s)
forging (clicking front heels with hind toes)
abrasions on front of pasterns from difficulty standing up
riding “as if the hand brake has not been released”
refusal to move forward (with or without rearing)
reluctance to bear weight on sore feet (hypersensitive soles)
muscle deconditioning and/or muscle spasms
total body soreness / uncomfortable posture
back soreness, topline muscle atrophy
dropped head syndrome
tendency to travel hollow backed and high headed
skipping / cross cantering / cross firing at the canter
fibromyalgia (EFMS) *** (see “The Fibromyalgia Horse”)
grunting / moaning / groaning under saddle
diaphragmatic muscle spasms (hiccups aka thumps)
esophageal muscle spasms (choke, swallowing problems)
laryngeal muscle spasms
displaced soft palate (with or without holding the breath)
chronic intercostal muscle soreness, cramping (ribs)
shivers *** (in 1, 2, 3 or 4 legs)
rigid muscles between hips and stifles (cording)
fibrotic myopathy *** (in one or both hind legs)
“thickened suspensories”
calcium deposits in tendons / tendon sheaths
rupture of the extensor carpi radialis (in one or both forearms)
audible ‘snap, crackle, pop’ from stifles and/or hocks
cardiac muscle fatigue (weak heart valves)
flaring nostrils at rest (chronic)
spontaneous periodic heavy breathing episodes
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD / heaves) ***
dribbling urine / odd urination habits
retained placenta (uterine atony)
leaky gut syndrome
constipation /scant dry manure OR diarrhea / colitis
herring gutted OR bloated abdomen
right dorsal colon ulcers
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ***
abundance of tape worms resistant to deworming
overgrowth of Candida in the large intestine
malabsorption of nutrients
gas colic (chronic)
epiploic foramen entrapment (seen at colic surgery)
gastrosplenic ligament entrapment (ditto)
stringhalt *** (in one or both hind legs)
neuritis of the cauda equina / polyneuritis ***
peripheral myoclonus
shifting leg lameness
lameness that shifts from front to back and/or side to side
“bridle lameness” (commonly lame on one diagonal)
frequent tripping on even and/or uneven ground
“stiff leg syndrome” (micro muscle spasms)
Microcirculation Deficits
sensitivity to cold weather, particularly cold and rain (regardless of blanketing)
absence of dapples (branches of the capillary tree)
pale mucous membranes (in mouth, pale tongue)
tendency to bleed
complications associated with poor tissue oxygenation
prolonged healing time (> 7 to 10 days)
surgical repair failures
wound dehiscence
fracture site non-unions
colic surgery anastomosis break-down
recurring ‘scratches’
scirrhous cord following castration
yeast-like secretions in the sheath (geldings and stallions)
low grade chronic endometritis ( mares)
overgrowth of organisms that thrive in low oxygen locales
maggots in poorly perfused wounds (Rx: desitin)
chronic thrush in and around the frogs
presence of common co-infections *** (all of these)
lyme disease (Borrelia)
babesiosis (Babesia)
protozoa (EPM in the cerebrospinal space)
toxoplasmosis (chronic)
leptospirosis (chronic)
tetanus (Clostridium tetani)
botulism (Clostridium botulinum)
“bastard strangles” (Strep equi)
salmonellosis (Salmonella sp.)
pigeon fever (Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis)
fungal conditions resistant to treatment (“rain rot”)
chronic bacterial foot abscesses
brucellosis
poll evil
fistulous withers
late summer foal pneumonia (Rhodococcus equi)
Lawsonia intracellularis
quittor (necrosis of the collateral cartilage)
chronic laminitis ***
chronic exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up) (muscle damage and bleeding)
cording of lymphatic vessels
lymphangitis (usually in a hind leg previously injured)
cellulitis (recurring)
swollen liver (hepatomegaly)
swollen spleen (splenomegaly)
swollen joints (knees, hocks, stifles)
pericarditis (swollen pericardium)
peroneal nerve paralysis (consequence of a hind leg stuck under a fence)
radial nerve paralysis (historically linked to ill-fitting neck collars)
Head and Neck Issues
swollen eyelids
surface eye infections with tearing
random cranial nerve dysfunction
optic nerve
micro-ophthalmia (one or both eyes)
blindness (one or both eyes, normal outwardly)
ERU (equine recurrent uveitis) ***
depth perception deficits (altered spatial behavior)
preference for shade vs. bright light (sore eyes) or
refusal to move from bright light to dark shade
head shaking (photic) (Rx: guardian mask)
olfactory nerve
flehmen response (repetitive)
facial nerve
mouthiness
cribbing ***
nipping, biting, licking
chewing wood
facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)
teeth grinding / jaw clenching
vestibulocochlear nerve
hypersensitivity to sound (for example clippers)
balance problems (in a moving horse trailer)
trigeminal nerve
pruritis (itchy head during and after exercise)
exercise induced trigeminal neuralgia
head shaking (non-photic)
hypoglossal nerve
tongue laxity
odd compulsive habits involving the tongue
hypoglossal nerve palsy
neurogenic atrophy of various head and neck muscles (masseter, supraspinatus, etc.)
entrapment of the epiglottis
recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, partial paralysis, roaring
impaired drainage from salivary glands (mainly the parotids)
choke (that does not resolve without veterinary intervention)
dry mouth or excessive salivation
megesophagus (food lodges in the esophagus) ***
goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
sweet itch (topline pruritis along base of mane and/or base of tail)
alopecia areata (aka vitilago) (hair loss around eyes and/or muzzle) ***
equine sarcoid
squamous cell carcinoma
adenocarcinoma
Endocrine / Neurochemical Imbalances *** (all of these)
anhydrosis (non-sweater) OR excessive sweating
sudden total body hair loss
hyper-reactivity to vaccination (localized soft tissue inflammation)
delayed systemic allergic reaction to vaccination (colic within 30 days, laminitis)
severe allergic reactions to intravenous drugs
endocrinologic laminitis
food allergies
sensitive skin
callouses on one or both elbows
chronic “shoe boils” / capped elbow(s)
hypersensitivity to touch (ears, face, hind legs, blankets)
hypersensitivity to rain / bathing
hypersensitivity to strong sunlight (sun burn)
hypersensitivity to grooming tools
hypersensitivity to certain bedding
reactivity on girthing / hypersensitivity to tack
reactivity to shampoos, fly sprays, detergents, leather dye
hypersensitivity to insects and insect bites
sweet itch (mane and/or tail)
intense pruritis along ventral midline, sheath / udder
hair that stands on end in a linear pattern (along meridians)
birdcatcher spots (first documented in the Irish TB stallion Birdcatcher 1833-1860)
“skunk tail” (especially in combination with alopecia areata and/or birdcatcher spots)
neurotransmitter imbalances (neuroses)
explosive outbursts (low dopamine) (ex: bolting)
depression (low serotonin)
anger, aggression, temper tantrums
moodiness, grumpiness, argumentative attitude
changes in temperament (mild mannered to a bully)
panic attacks (fear based) (for little or no reason)
running backwards (during a panic attack)
violently pulling back while tied
tendency to kick walls, humans, other horses (violently)
tendency to dorsiflex violently and randomly (buck)
hallucinations / bizarre fearful behavior
frequent yawning (yawning resets neurotransmitters)
narcolepsy (falling asleep randomly and/or collapsing)
random seizures
proprioceptive deficits (anywhere on the body)
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
insulin resistance
cushing’s syndrome (early onset high serum cortisol)
peripheral Cushing’s
equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
altered estrus cycles (short or long, flagrant or silent)
cystic ovaries
chronic intermittent lactation (over months, years)
prolapsed uterus and/or retained placenta (after foaling)
testicles that are slow to fully descend / cryptorchidism (linked to ill behavior)
low testosterone / shy breeders
mineral depletion (Bartonella feeds on magnesium)
consistently inconsistent behavior from one day to the next
and/or from one season to the next
dangerously high levels of toxic metals on hair analysis
lead
aluminum
copper
arsenic
mercury
selenium
patchy sweating (magnesium +/- potassium depletion)
inability to relax (muscle twitching / trembling / prancing)
self mutilation (biting at chest)
repetitive behavior (weaving, stall walking, pacing)
neurotic separation anxiety
obsessive compulsive behavior patterns (OCD)
tendency to escape from normal horse enclosures
inability to tolerate changes in routines
shortened stride length going downhill
oxidative stress / improvement with large doses vitamin E
marked improvement with 10 grams Mg malate /day in diet
1. WHAT DOES BARTONELLA IN A HORSE LOOK LIKE ?
As a stealth pathogen, Bartonella is adept at staying under the radar of human recognition underneath a multitude of disguises. Clinical signs of a chronic Bartonella infection are mysterious in onset, appearance, severity and duration (periodicity). A relapsing bacteremia is expressed as multiple recurring deficiencies, a sliding scale of dysfunction much like a roller coaster; various system imbalances can produce polar opposite symptoms. Just like autism spectrum disorder, chronic Bartonellosis will induce a vastly different constellation of symptoms from one horse to the next. Stress is cumulative and so are the clues that reflect a lurking problem that defies description. Since the trajectory over time is toward autoimmunity, those conditions that correlate with serious immune system dysfunction (notated ***) are significant red flags in and of themselves; the presence of just a few of the many conditions listed below on this article called “Frequently Asked Questions” constitute grounds for further investigation into the possibility of chronic Bartonellosis.
2. IS THERE A TEST ?
Bartonella produces a relapsing bacteremia; some days it is floating freely in the circulation and some days not. For this reason, our chances of obtaining a positive test result are enhanced by collecting blood samples on at least 3 alternate days. The veterinarian sends all 3 samples with a completed submission form to Galaxy Diagnostics (www.galaxydx.com). Turn around time for results is 3 weeks. Galaxy uses a technology (BAPGM) that is considered the gold standard in Bartonella testing. For more information visit their website.
3. CAN A BARTONELLA INFECTION BE INHERITED ?
Yes. Evidence for transmission of infection from mother to offspring has been demonstrated in small rodents. There is growing anecdotal evidence that larger mammals (humans, horses) can also pass the infection along from one generation to the next. Much work needs to be done to elucidate this aspect of Bartonella epidemiology.
Your horse doesn’t run on air any more than your automobile does. Correctly fueling your horse is at the heart of good nutrition, but it doesn’t stop there. If your car is “injured”, you just replace parts. Your horse needs to repair tissues stressed by exercise or disease through nutrition, build and strengthen bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments through nutrition, manufacture red cells, fight infections, produce sweat and carry out the billions of biochemical reactions needed to burn fuel and build or repair tissues through nutrition
The human diet typically contains a wide array of different foods, each with a different nutritional profile. This helps guarantee requirements for protein, amino acids, vitamins and minerals are met. In contrast, many horses eat precisely the same meal day in and day out. When you buy dog food, cat food, fish food or bird food, you are buying a nutritionally balanced package. Same thing for bagged horse feed but bagged feeds are only part of the horse’s diet. Most of your horse’s nutrition comes from hay or pasture
Livestock producers, whether dairy, beef, hogs or chickens, invest considerable time and money into balancing their diets. Why? Because it pays off in their bottom line. Balanced nutrition means more milk, more meat, less disease – in short, the healthiest, most robust animals. Calories alone won’t get you there. Quality protein, adequate vitamins and carefully balanced minerals make the difference.
The equine marketplace is flooded with supplements, each designed to put this or that “patch” onto a problem that has its roots in inadequate nutrition. If your diet is correctly balanced in the first place, supplying supplemental nutrients based on what is missing or excessive in the base diet, you can throw all of those away and discover what livestock producers have known for a very long time, correct feeding doesn’t have to be expensive and it more than pays for itself.
It’s even more important for horses under stress, be it pregnancy, lactation, growth, exercise, injury, infection. Sound nutrition isn’t a cure-all or an “alternative” approach to health. It’s much more than that. It’s essential. Every function in your horse’s body depends on it.
Poor nutrition can actually cause disease but the role of nutrition goes far beyond this. Your horse’s body is made of water and “matter”. Building the body is not a once and done thing. To maintain tissues, protect from infections, repair illnesses all requires more “matter”. Your horse cannot manufacture the amino acids, fats, minerals and vitamins he needs out of thin air. They have to come from the diet.
Orthomolecular Medicine
Dr. Linus Pauling coined the term orthomolecular in the 1960s. It literally means the right (correct)molecule. With a strong background in physics, Dr. Pauling entered the field of chemistry where he was productive for the next 70 years. He worked in both organic and inorganic chemistry, becoming most interested in nutrition in the later part of his career. Dr. Pauling’s work literally brought biochemistry to life, as a 3 dimensional active and interactive system.
At the heart of molecular medicine is the concept that disease occurs when there is a
disruption of all the complicated cellular machinery and processes. Sometimes it’s a glitch in the DNA that the organism was born with, i.e. a genetically programmed-in disease. Sometimes it’s caused by an infectious organism
disrupting cellular processes. Nutritional deficiencies or excesses, and toxic substances, can also produce disease, as does trauma or the wear and tear of aging.
Also at the heart of orthomolecular medicine is that you can only maintain robust health with the “right molecules” – foods – in the correct amounts, and central to orthomolecular medicine is that the concept of taking in nutrients in amounts sufficient to prevent full blown deficiency diseases is not necessarily
the same thing as dosages needed for optimal health.
If your horse has an infection and you give antibiotics, you correct the disease by killing the cause, the bacteria. However, very few drugs actually treat disease. Instead, they treat symptoms. The symptoms of a disease are caused by the body, not something that happens to it. When you block a symptom with a drug, you are interfering with the body, not restoring it to normal function.
Are Drugs “Bad”?
Drugs are not inherently bad. They serve a purpose, and are often literally life-saving. What they are not is cure-alls. Because most drugs interfere with or block body chemistry, they all carry the risk of side-effects. If an effective drug is available and truly needed, you should not hesitate to use it but drugs should never be used lightly.
It has been suggested that when you megadose (any dose above the minimum required to prevent deficiency states is considered a megadose), the nutrient is actually working like a drug. e.g. Selenium overdosing, with toxic doses, that may be true. However, responses at less than toxic doses are not necessarily having drug effects. A few examples will probably help illustrate what I mean.
One example is vitamin E treatment for equine motor neuron disease (EMND). Equine motor neuron disease is a degenerative condition of the nervous system similar to Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Vitamin E levels are very low in these horses and EMND was thought to be a vitamin E deficiency for a long time, but it has now been found even in horses that are on pasture, which rules out inadequate intake since fresh grass is a very rich source of vitamin E. The progression of EMND can be stopped, symptoms of severe muscle wasting and gait changes sometimes even reversed, with high doses of vitamin E, 5000 to 10,000 IU/day.ue.
The horse’s body isn’t quite as rigidly all or nothing but guaranteeing all critical nutrients are present in the needed amounts and correct balance is the starting point for both health and therapy. The balanced diet is your horse’s “floor” for health. It’s the foundation, the structure upon which you build any special need solutions.. Without it, you’re trying to build in quick sand, or on water.
To make an intelligent decision about what, when and why to supplement to help a joint problem, you
first have to understand the parts of a joint and what can go wrong with them. The outermost layer of a
joint is the joint capsule (labelled articular capsule in the diagram above. Articulation is another word
for joint.) The next layer in is the synovial membrane or synovium. The synovium is a double layered
membrane. The layer facing the inside of the joint is very thin and secretes the joint fluid (aka synovial
fluid). The layer between the joint capsule and the inner layer varies from soft and fatty to very dense,
probably depending on how hard the joint is worked. (The digital cushion in the foot is like this too;
very soft at birth, toughening up over the first year or two of life as it gets worked.)
The synovial membrane coats all inner surfaces of the joint except where there is joint cartilage. Joint
cartilage is a specialized type of cartilage that coats the ends of the bone inside a joint. The specialized
cartilage in joints is called hyaline cartilage. Joints are the only area of the body where hyaline cartilage
is exposed. In all other areas that have cartilage (like the tip of the nose, the ear or the vocal cords), it is
covered by several other layers of tissue.
Cartilage has no blood or nerve supply. The cells get their nutrition from the joint fluid. The hyaline
cartilage has sponge-like characteristics. When bearing weight, the cartilage compresses and fluid is
forced out. When weight is taken off the joint, fresh fluid is restored to the cartilage. This is why
exercise is important to healthy cartilage.
Cartilage gets its sponge-like characteristics from the composition of the cartilage matrix. The matrix of cartilage is composed of water, type II collagen and the glycosaminoglycans which are chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and keratan sulfate.
Glucosamine is the starting point for many glycosaminoglycans.
Several factors will determine if a horse is likely to have a favorable response to glucosamine,
chondroitin and/or HA. Those factors are summarized in the chart below.
Is Your Horse a Good Candidate for a Joint Nutraceutical? Best Responders
Synovitis
Joint effusions (increased joint fluid)
Minimal bony changes (osteophytes)
Early diagnosis
Favorable response to hyaluronic acid or
PSGAG (Adequan) injections
Incomplete or Poor Response
Decreased or uneven joint space on X-ray
Advanced bone changes
Damage to stabilizing ligaments (e.g. Collateral
ligaments) or soft tissue structures within the joint
(e.g. Meniscus or collateral ligaments in the stifle)
Unresolved balance or shoeing issues
Infectious problems (e.g. Lyme)ncomplete or Poor Response
When arthritis changes are advanced as in this example, joint nutraceuticals may slow progression, but very advanced loss of cartilage and joint space carries a poor prognosis for return to working soundness.
HA excels in getting rapid control of inflammation. If you have a hot, acutely swollen joint go with
HA. In my experience. I’m not convinced it has a lot of value orally in joints that
do not have an obvious inflammatory component. I have seen horses do better when switched from a
glucosamine only or mixed glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to one that also includes
hyaluronic acid, MSM and some powerful anti-oxidents
Summary
Glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid are absorbed orally; glucosamine and hyaluronic
acid intact, chondroitin primarily in disaccharide form.
Glucosamine is the precursor for hyaluronic acid and keratan in joints
Glucosamine, chondritin and hyaluronic acid all block inflammory enzymes and cytokines in
joints, relieving the suppressive effect inflammation has on GAG synthesis.
Hyaluronic acid provides the most effective and rapid relief from inflammation.
Glucosamine and chondroitin in combination works better than either one alone.
Other Disease Modifying Supplements
Avocado-Soy Unsaponifiables (ASU) is the most recent addition to this category. Hot off the presses
(still smoking actually) is this just published study:
Evaluation of avocado and soybean unsaponifiable extracts
for treatment of horses with experimentally induced
osteoarthritis.
Kawcak CE, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW, Werpy NM, Park RD.
Kawcak CE, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW, Werpy NM, Park RD.
Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of
Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
80523, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a combination of avocado and soybean unsaponifiable
(ASU) extracts for the treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses. ANIMALS:
16 horses. PROCEDURES: Osteoarthritis was induced via osteochondral fragmentation in 1
middle carpal joint of each horse; the other joint underwent a sham operation. Horses were
randomly allocated to receive oral treatment with ASU extracts (1:2 [avocado-to-soybean] ratio
mixed in 6 mL of molasses; n = 8) or molasses (6 mL) alone (placebo treatment; 8) once daily
from days 0 to 70. Lameness, response to joint flexion, synovial effusion, gross and histologic
joint assessments, and serum and synovial fluid biochemical data were compared between
treatment groups to identify effects of treatment. RESULTS: Osteochondral fragmentation
induced significant increases in various variables indicative of joint pain and disease. Treatment
with ASU extracts did not have an effect on signs of pain or lameness; however, there was a
significant reduction in severity of articular cartilage erosion and synovial hemorrhage (assessed
grossly) and significant increase in articular cartilage glycosaminoglycan synthesis, compared
with placebo-treated horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although
treatment with ASU extracts did not decrease clinical signs of pain in horses with experimentally
induced osteoarthritis, there did appear to be a disease-modifying effect of treatment, compared
with findings in placebo-treated horses. These objective data support the use of ASU extracts as
a disease-modifying treatment for management of osteoarthritis in horses.
Boswellia needs to be mentioned because it is so commonly used. An excellent review can be found
full text here:
Turmeric (curry) is receiving a lot of attention in human medicine the last few years. The active
components are curcuminoids (aka curcumin).
The parent herb, turmeric, contains about 2% curcumin.
In vivo studies on curcumin supplementation are promising, including one human rheumatoid arthritis
trial that found it was as effective as phenylbutazone when dosed at 1200 mg actual curcumin/day. That
would be a minimum of 4800 mg (4.8 grams) for a horse, or a whopping 240 grams (8.45 ounces) of
the parent herb, turmeric! Poor intestinal absorption and/or rapid hepatic first pass metabolism is the
reason for the high doses. Studies are underway to determine ways to improve bioavailability. For more
details on curcumin, see:
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/curcumin/
Many other herbs have been suggested for use in horses with joint problems.
To date they are some herbs that are researched to have promising effects.
The Negative Effects of Shoeing : Catherine Cooper Lic Ac Tcvm
Today, there is a lot of evidence to prove the negative effects of shoeing horses.
Does your horse go suddenly lame (fracture lame) after doing a piece of work.
Is he suffering with splints.
Has your horse developed Suspensory Desmitis/Ligament Branch Injuries.
Sore Shins
Back Problems
The list is endless !!
Diagnosing Feet Problems
After many years of extensive examination of horses, the diagnostics through Acupuncture have been conclusive that horses are experiencing considerable pain in their feet. There are no significant obvious signs or symptoms, the horses feet appear normal. Although this is not the case to the professionally trained individual. The heels are contracting, toe is too long, the frog is necrotic etc. I have treated these problem by increasing circulation and relieving pain through the diagnosis and treatment of Bartonella which is too in itself one of the main contributing cause due to lack of microcirculation, using specific and specialized herbal medicine and proper balanced nutrition. It was evident to me that most of these horses regardless of their discipline, were suffering from a low grade or worse laminitis, inflammation, chronic subsolar abscessing , calcification and or navicular syndrome.
This in turn creates compensatory lameness , including suspensory desmitis, splints, back pain and sacroiliac problems, jarring, etc.. These symptoms also became more evident as a result of ongoing feet problems, and although the horses at the early onset were showing no obvious lameness, but all were diagnostically conclusive that intermediate damage was apparent.
In a given time, due to ongoing compensation from foot pain, all of these horses were eventually diagnosed with acute or chronic injuries by our Veterinarians. As I have spent my whole career dedicated to treating or preventing all of the above conditions and having results. It has to be stated that if one does not treat the underlying cause, if symptomatic or not, then it is evident to me that the treatments are short lived and it really is a waste of time in trying to achieve permanent results. I do believe 95% of all lameness begin in the feet. “No hoof no horse” is indeed very true.
Concussion.
At one time, it may have been hard to prove the negative effects of shoeing, but today, there is no longer any doubt. Advancements in science now allows us to see things the human eye is incapable of viewing. We can also measure forces using instruments that leave little doubt as to the facts of the matter. The high speed videos of a trotting horse landing barefoot, and landing shod are real eye openers. Seeing it just once you will not be able to look at shoeing the same again. Imagine the effects of years of such concussive forces.
How do we know that shoes reduce circulation in the horse’s feet and legs? There’s a very simple way to tell. Feel the legs of a shod horse. They will be cold – in many cases icy cold. And we are taught that this is a good thing! Now take the shoes off that very horse and feel his legs a while later. They will be warm. As they should be! Aside from common sense however, thermography has clearly shown that shod feet result in cooler legs. Coolness caused by lack of circulation.
Not only do shoes reduce circulation they also prevent the hoof from expanding during motion. The functions of the foot in regards to energy dissipation, the Laminar attachments between the hoof wall and P3 (the distal phalanx or coffin bone) and the digital cushion – along with the respective ligamentous connective tissues have all been mentioned as having potentially significant roles in the anti-concussive mechanisms of the foot. Basically it is to allow the foot to expand and withstand the concussive forces of weight bearing and movement.
Dr Robert Boker DVM PhD. states through documented research that high transient energy forces within the horses foot are dissipated via the rapid movement and flow of blood through an extensive and tortuous vascular network of small caliber veno-venous anastamoses present within the cartilages and other strategtic regions within tissue of the equine foot. This hemodynamic flow hypothesis relies upon the biomechanical principles of hydraulic fluid theory as it relates to the impedence (resistance) of such fluid movement that develops when it is forced to flow through small vessels. Furthermore the efficiency of this mechanism is dependant upon the individual confirmation of the cartilages and structural composition of the horse’s digital cushion.
Any dysfunction in this hemodynamic flow mechanism may partially explain the insidous lameness conditions that develop during normal locomotion of the equine athlete. Such a disturbance will result in greater transient energies being subsequently transmitted to bone and other sensitive tissues within the digit rather being dissipated by this hemodynamic mechanism.
As the unshod hoof lands the weight of the horse descends on the bony column and into the hoof. The back of the hoof expands as this occurs accommodating the descent of the coffin bone onto the digital cushion. The digital cushion grows thick and tough, as does the frog, thus allowing a healthy hemodtnamic flow mechanism.
Shoes, however, are rigid and prevent the hoof from expanding and causing dysfunction to the hemodynamic flow mechanism. A horse that is shod, non weight bearing and with foot in contracted position, then shoe is aligned and nailed on to foot. Once the foot is returned to standing position the foot cannot then expand to withstand the concussive forces which it was designed to do.
Since the coffin bone cannot descend normally the digital cushion doesn’t get the pressure/release necessary for health and it shrinks, as will the frog in many cases. In addition the joints articulate differently. Over time horses will begin to land toe first, go over at the knee, shorten in stride, which in turn puts extensive pressure on the ligaments and tendons. Stress and pain will be evident on palpation initially at the medial aspect of the Suspensory and medial splint bone apparatus, heels will contract, circulation will diminish, necrosis will develop, and after enough time the horse will develop any of the above mentioned compensatory injuries and in time will lead to symptoms of navicular and or laminitis.
Trimming and Balance
In order to have a robust hemo-dynamic mechanism present in the foot created either by breed predisposition or by enviromental stimulation, the hoof must be prepared properly by the farrier or veterinarian . He must align the hoof wall pillars with the cartilages to maximize such a dissipating system. If this is not done properly, as in the case of underrun heals, eventual lameness problems will probably ensue.
Once proper neurological and biochemical function is achieved in the distorted or diseased hoof, many lame horses return to soundness, both physically and mentally. The traditional horseshoe cannot work to aid in this rehabilitation.
It is also important that younger and older horses should be trimmed regularly, every four weeks. The proper trimming necessary in younger and developing horses in order to have a good balance for the growing bones, ligament and tendonous structures.
If flares are present they have detrimental effects on the internal structures of the foot, stretching the white line and giving rise to poor coffin bone suspension. This can be very painful, and it’s like lifting really hard on your fingernail. Bars also need to be trimmed regularly and left level with the sole and outer hoof wall, for balance. The frog needs to be healthy and spread across the foot and towards the bulbs, this in turn supplies good and adequate blood supply to the foot…
Treatment
I do believe by educating people and making them more aware of the above conditions. We can indeed address these problems, by treatment in eradicating all Bartonella bacterial stealth infection, natural and effective foot trimming and balancing, nutrional supplementation and a balanced diet for healthy hoof growth.
Naturally it may also be evident that some horses can indeed have conformation deformities, nutrition imbalances that may not allow them to perform without shoes, although there are several alternative methods of shoeing available today that can help these horses during the transition period to barefoot.
Yes, indeed one would ask . How could I run my horse on slippery ground conditions without an accident occuring. This is a question that can also be answered. Horses with healthy, pain free feet, have more natural balance , better breakover and surefootedness, normal head carriage. I would also like to indicate that horses who have better head carriage will predominantely have less breathing problems. eg DDSP…
Nutrition
Yet another important factor is is mineral and vitamin deficiencies which are predominant today due to the over use of pesticides and fertiliser’s. Our land for breeding and pastures for summer breaks for horses needing “Dr Grass” is predominately insufficient in the required substances necessary. Our young stock have not the required mineral and vitamin balance needed to grow strong hoofs, cartilage and bone.. The older horses confined to stables should be given a balanced diet both nutritionally and nutraceutically. We all need to actively pay attention to this problem by assuring adequate nutrition and supplementation if necessary.
If you have the interest and time to read into The Hemodynamic Flow Hypothesis for energy dissipation of the Equine Foot by Robert M. Boker VMB PhD. in further research done into the structures anatomy, Physiological studies of the foot’s vascular (blood system) I have attached a direct link below..
Evidence
Yes you readers may be asking the question? What evidence is there that barefoot horses perform better, have less injuries. It is well documented that historically shoeing weakens the foot and causes hoof deformatity, and the hard evidence is there. Can we convince our farriers to change tactics, to study more indept the detrimental anatomical changes taking place within the structures of the foot due to improper trimming and the use of shoes. Can they move forward into 21st centuary studies and research that has been done and proven to date.
Simon Earl racehorse trainer in the UK, has the majority of his racehorses running and performing extremely well barefoot.
We here at Copperfield Equine Therapy now have Dermot McCourt a registered Master Farrier, a remedial equine Podiatrist, he has worked and trained in Saudi Arabia and also with several AANHCP practitioners in the United States. He started work with traditional farrier methods, but his career developed to working with severe foot problems – correcting damage to return horses to being sound. He can trim and educate you on the condition of your horses feet, make necessary changes for the well being of your horse, and increase dramatically their performance…
For further information, and treatment, or if you are concerned about your horses feet, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
