Equine Health & Performance

Equine Laminitis and Founder

The Science Daily, Sept. 27, 2012- “Laminitis is a painful and debilitating disease……..In 75% of cases the inflammation becomes chronic ‘founder’, leaving the horse permanently lame.”

Coffin bone protruding through
the horse's hoof.
Photo Credit: Natural Horse World

There are many causes for laminitis.  Although the exact root cause is unknown there are multiple factors that contribute to this debilitating disease, overfeeding being the most common.   Possible precursor diseases and symptoms can be colic and diarrhea.   Laminitis is more commonly developed in horses with insulin resistance and obesity.  This is something we can get excited about!  We've recently received new revealing studies showing that the omega 7 in sea buckthorn can play a major role in assisting with improved insulin resistance.  Sea buckthorn is also one of the best whole food supplements for weight management in both horses and humans.

Acute laminitis can be treated if caught in the early stages and at the first sign of lameness.  Laminitis causes inflammation of the laminae of the hoof and if left untreated the inflammation will continue to deteriorate the laminae, becoming severe enough to cause the coffin bone to rotate within the hoof.   Once the coffin bone rotates the acute laminitis now becomes chronic laminitis.  The horse has foundered and the coffin bone is no longer attached to the hoof capsule, eventually puncturing the sole.

Be sure to keep a tab on these common laminitis culprits:

• Grazing on large amounts fresh, lush grass and over feeding
• Constant riding on hard terrains such as paved road
• Overworking: fatigue, dehydration, exhaustion
• Incidents of severe colic
• The use of black walnuts. These are toxic to horses
• Stress from traveling & competition

The health of your horse is determined solely by your care, treatment, and knowledge.  Inch by inch, one step at a time, you can have your equine in a state of health and vigorous vitality you weren't sure could even be achieved.  Follow our blog and let’s get started!  

SeaBuck on Ulcers

All Natural Horse Supplement Proves Effective in the Treatment of Gastric Ulcers

LSU profess puts sea buckthorn, the best super food and all natural supplement to the test against Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and gets impressive results.

Many factors like exercise, type of feed, stress levels, and a constant use of medications are a common cause for stomach ulcers and diminished equine health. A few signs of EGUS to watch out for are poor appetite, weight loss, and a dull coat. Travel, competition and stall confinement can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

With an estimated 60-90% of adult horses suffering from EGUS, competition horses can be the highest at risk. It is important to stay vigilant and be sure your horse doesn't become one of the majority.

With statistics this high there should be great concern and demand for a solution.

Frank Andrews, professor and Chief of Staff at LSU School of Verterinary Medicine recognizes this concern and addresses it with a solution. He conducted a study with two groups of horses feeding them the same quantity and type of feed. The only difference being one group received a 4oz serving of SeaBuck GastroPlus (SeaBuck Complete) with each meal, while the other did not. After 35 days of study, Andrews concluded that sea buckthorn can heal parts of the stomach and aid in ulcer treatment just as well as prescribed medication!

Although sea buckthorn is still rather new in the world of modern science, new and exciting findings are continually being revealed about this amazing fruit. Be sure to stay tuned for more ground breaking information on sea buckthorn and equine health!