Equine Focus: A Simple Boost from Within

Natalie Foutch- Professional Barrel Racer: 

"Orville and I love SeaBuck7!  Orville's palomino coat is a deep rich color but most importantly, I love how calm and focused Orville is at every run in the alley way!  SeaBuck7 is a must in my barn and especially on the road.  The all natural anti-inflammatory, mental focus and overall health is so important to me. For these reasons Orville has been on SeaBuck7 for 6 years and counting.

I got a new horse started on SeaBuck7 45 days ago.  During the time on the road, she received 4 oz. daily, her coat is shiny and healthy, her mental focus and overall health is remarkable. Her appearance has improved dramatically in 45 days.  Again, I cannot express enough on what this product does for my horses.  Missy is a happy and much quieter horse."

There are many different types of omega essential fatty acids, but the ones that benefit horses most are omega-3, omega-6 and omega-7. Omega fatty acids have numerous functions in your horse’s body but did you know that their benefits extend beyond skin and heart health?  

In nature, horses consume more omega-3s than omega-6s, as their diet is grass and forage-based. While most modern horses consume plenty of forages like hay and alfalfa, the majority of performance horses consume grains to keep up with the demands of training and competition. Grains contain a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, which can throw their overall “balance” out of whack. The imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 can lead to issues in the body, from problems with digestion and metabolism to loss of mental focus.  

There is mounting evidence that high levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the body can adversely affect brain function in mammals, and has links to ADHD in humans.  This includes decreases in cognition, mood and overall behavior. 

How does this translate to trainers, riders and their mounts?  Your horse may not be performing to his or her potential with a high omega-6 diet. He may not be focusing on the task at hand or may be more irritable. It may be something “deeper” that is contributing to these issues – instead of lameness, burnout or even boredom. 

The market is packed with omega-3 fatty acid supplements for horses and many are fish-based powders that go rancid quickly. Even when fresh, many horses find it an unsavory addition to their daily ration. 

Your horse is an herbivore – a natural vegan. Eating fish-based products is unnatural. You can help enhance his focus and performance with essential omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids found in wild-crafted Himalayan sea buckthorn berry. The sea buckthorn plant has provided natural, nutritious forages for wild and domestic horses for thousands of years. 

The Ancient Greeks wrote of its nutritional prowess and how their horses were healthier and shinier after grazing on the leaves and berries.

You will notice that your horse’s coat is shinier and his focus and overall health is improved after starting Seabuck 7.  Give it a try today…  

Customer Success Story: Golden Retrievers Improved in 1 Week!

Dawna N.- "I used the SeaBuck 7 Omega 7 Oil for Dogs & Cats on my two, older Golden Retrievers ages 10 and 12. They had both been very sedentary even though they live on a 30-acre property all fenced, so they had lots of room to roam. We also have two younger, active dogs, but the two older ones had no desire to play with them. After about a week on the oil, everyone noticed and commented on how active they were. They were running and playing with the other dogs, going on hikes and walks with us and just wagging their tails being happy. 'They were like puppies again'." 

Try SeaBuck 7 Omega 7 Oil for your Dog Today! 

Does Your Dog Have a Hormone Imbalance?

Has your dog been diagnosed with an endocrine (hormone) disorder, such as Cushing’s syndrome or hypothyroidism? If so, here is a brief overview of what you can do at home to help manage the side effects of these diseases.  The most commonly noticed problem associated with these hormone imbalances is skin disease. 

Low Thyroid Levels - Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism happens when your dog’s thyroid levels are too low. Experts still aren’t sure what exactly causes this condition - the thyroid gland simply stops making hormone in some, while others are caused by tumors or an autoimmune disease. This can happen from birth (very rare) or as your dog ages.  Low thyroid is most common for dogs around around 7 years of age. Many people notice that their dog becomes more lethargic and may get a little fatter. Skin changes are extremely common and some of these happen before other signs.  Hypothyroid dogs don’t typically have itchy skin, except when their skin is infected.  A few signs that your dog’s skin problem may be linked to low thyroid:

●     Dull, dry hair coat

●     Changes in hair color

●     Dry skin - also known as “seborrhea”

●     Hair loss along your dog’s sides and chest

●     Hair loss on the tail - “rat tail” appearance

●     Skin infections

○     Yeast

○     Bacteria

●     Darkening of skin

●     Bruising

●     Delayed healing of wounds

High Cortisol Levels - Cushing’s Syndrome

High cortisol levels, technically called hyperadrenocorticism, happens in both dogs and horses. For simplicity’s sake, vets call it Cushing’s Syndrome. The way it happens in dogs is somewhat different than in horses but they can show similar symptoms.  Cushing’s happens when the dog’s adrenal glands make too much of the stress hormone, cortisol.  The adrenal glands are “controlled” by hormone signals from the pituitary gland in the brain.  If the pituitary gland is diseased, these signals get out of whack, and the adrenals produce too much cortisol.  Adrenal gland tumors can also cause increases in cortisol.  The most common signs of Cushing’s are weight gain, excessive water consumption, increased urination, increased appetite, weight gain or “pot belly” and skin changes. Like dogs with low thyroid, dogs with Cushing’s also are more prone to being itchy secondary to skin infection. Some of the skin changes are similar to those seen with low thyroid, with a few differences:

●     Hair loss - especially along the sides of the trunk

●     Seborrhea

●     Hardening of the skin - calcinosis cutis

●     Darkening of skin

●     Blackhead formation

●     Skin infections

○     Bacteria

○     Yeast

●     Delayed healing of wounds

One of the common factors between skin disease in dogs with each of these endocrine diseases is seborrhea.  Seborrhea is the abnormal production (over production) of skin cells - producing excessively “scaly” skin and/or increasing oil secretions on the skin.  Seborrhea usually happens secondary to another problem, such as a skin infection, other dermatologic problem or an endocrine disorder.

With proper treatment, the skin signs of these disorders can be greatly diminished. Your veterinarian will prescribe a thyroid hormone supplement or a medication to bring down cortisol levels. Treatment should help control symptoms. However, for some that are not so well controlled or have skin infections - it is good to talk to your veterinarian about additional therapies.  Food therapy or including Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine techniques (acupuncture, herbs) can be helpful in bringing the body back into balance.  Supporting the skin through good, balanced home-prepared meals and supplements can also make a difference. A veterinary nutritionist can formulatea diet specifically for your pet if he or she has an endocrine disorder.

Omega essential fatty acid supplementation has been used for years to help treat a variety of skin conditions. Omega-7 is especially helpful in promoting and maintaining skin health; as it is an essential building-block that promotes collagen formation. Omega-7 oil can also help the skin retain moisture, which can be important in hypothyroid dogs, who often have dry skin.  The best souce of omega-7 is sourced from sea buckthorn berry and is also rich in other compounds that promote skin health, including antioxidants, vitamin E, and flavonoids. Talk to your veterinarian and see if supplementation with omega-3, omega-7 and omega-9 would fit into your dog’s treatment plan. If your dog is already taking an omega supplement - consider making a switch to a product like Seabuck 7 Omega 7 oil instead of a fish-based oil.  Sea buckthorn-sourced supplements are earth-friendly, fully sustainable, vegan and promotes wholefood based nutrition. 

Equine Cushing's Disease- The Basics

You may know of an older gelding at the barn that looks kind of shaggy and has weird fat deposits on his body. You often forget to ask his owner about it – or you may be too embarrassed to ask in the first place. What’s going on with that horse? Could it be Cushing’s disease?  

It is good for every horse owner to know the basics about Cushing’s disease. More horses are becoming ‘pets’ long after they have retired from work and age-related diseases are on the rise. Cushing’s is considered a disease of older horses, as it happens mainly in horses over 18 years of age. But sometimes ‘youngsters’ can suffer – as young as 5 years of age. Let’s take a closer look at Cushing’s disease and how nutrition may play a role in keeping it at bay.

What is Cushing’s Disease?
Cushing’s disease is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. It can also happen in dogs and humans, but the disease process is markedly different. Cushing’s happens when the pituitary gland in the horse’s brain ‘miscommunicates’ with the adrenal glands. In return, the adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone called cortisol. You may have heard of cortisol as a “stress hormone.” In horses, this disease is better known as “pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.” 

Excess cortisol can cause a variety of problems in the body. Most of them we can easily identify in horses. Signs may include:

• Shaggy hair coat
• Incomplete shedding
• Delayed shedding
• Deposits of fat along the neck, topline and tail head
• Excess thirst
• Excess urination
• Chronic laminitis
• Obese body condition 
• What does diet have to do with it?

Cushing’s disease in horses is not fully understood, damage to neurons in the brain can precipitate into a problem with the pituitary gland. According to Dr. Philip Johnson at the Western Veterinary Conference in 2012, “oxidative stress-mediated degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the periventricular aspects of the hypothalamus appears to play a central role.”

So what does that mean in plain English?  This means that oxidative stress is part of the reason that Cushing’s disease develops in some horses. Oxidative stress is caused by reactive oxygen and free radicals in the body. These “bandits” are created by a variety of things – from normal metabolism to stress and pollution. They in turn can damage cell membranes and DNA – leading to cell death. The body has a variety of ways that it can “cope” with free radicals. However, genetic mutations, certain disease states, stress, age and other factors can inhibit this – allowing for oxidative damage to take its toll. 

While oxidative stress and how it damages the body is a very complex subject, the body uses a few things to combat it. Antioxidants from the diet are used in its fight against oxidative damage as well as certain antioxidant enzymes. If there aren’t enough in the body – oxidative damage can occur at a faster rate. 

Could we prevent this oxidative damage that causes Cushing’s disease in horses?  It is hard to say, and there is no scientific evidence yet that you can. However, improving your young or older horse’s diet by including antioxidant-rich foodstuffs, like flax and sea buckthorn berry may certainly help tip the scale in your horses’ favor. 

Sea buckthorn contains a variety of bioactive antioxidants and minerals such as zinc and magnesium, which may be helpful in supporting animals with Cushing’s disease.
If you notice any of the aforementioned signs, talk to your veterinarian. Another condition, called Equine Metabolic Syndrome (Peripheral Cushing’s Syndrome) can also cause similar signs. 
If your horse already suffers from Cushing’s or Equine Metabolic Syndrome, talk to your vet about using high-antioxidant foodstuffs as an adjunctive treatment or nutritional support.

Resources
(1)Huey-Chun Huang, et al., Inhibition of melanogenesis versus antioxidant properties of essential oil extracted from leaves of Vitex negundo Linn and chemical composition analysis by GC-MS Molecules. January 2012;17(4):3902-16.
(2)McFarlane, D.  The Role of Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration in Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction: A New Look at an Old (Horse) Disease. ACVIM Forum Proceedings. 2005.
(3)Johnson, P. Equine Cushing's Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction): Pathophysiology & Clinical Recognition (EQ9). Western Veterinary Conference Proceedings. 2012.
(4)Messer, N. Endocrine Disorders of the Horse. Western Veterinary Conference Proceedings. 2010. 

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting a new medication, remedy or nutritional supplement. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only – it is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease process.

Your Pets Want Omega 7!

Omega-7 Fatty Acids

Omega-7 fatty acid, potent monosaturated fats, are less well known than other omegas but are very important for our health.  Omega-7’s secret is out, as many biomedical researchers have found that its potent benefits overshadow those of omega-3. 
Omega-7 has multifaceted benefits, which include:

Increases skin/coat health

• Boosts collagen production in skin
• Helps skin cells repair sun damage
• Enhances skin’s moisture content

Digestive support

• Improves mucous membrane function of the stomach and intestines
• Helps support mucous membrane repair
• Anti-inflammatory properties

Cardiovascular support

• Has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles
• Anti-inflammatory properties – smoothing inflamed arteries and veins

Diabetes, obesity and weight management

• Increases insulin sensitivity of bodily cells – improving insulin resistance
• May have a “signaling” function that helps the body control weight and fat reserves at the cellular level 

My Horse is So Itchy! What Can I Do?

Skin allergy, also known as allergic dermatitis, is a fairly common problem in horses. Some horses are seasonally affected while others suffer year-round. Sometimes their discomfort is so severe that they can no longer be ridden or easily handled. A few things need to be considered in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergic dermatitis symptoms. You may be surprised at the things that you can do at the barn to help manage or prevent symptoms. 

What is Equine Allergic Dermatitis?

Equine Allergic Dermatitis is the skin’s reaction to an environmental irritant.  Allergies are generally caused by the body’s over-reaction to a non-harmful substance.  Common causes of allergy across species include pollen, molds and insect bites. Researchers are not completely sure why some allergies occur, but it could be due to genetics or a faulty immune system.  In horses, hypersensitivity to fly and mosquito bites is usually to blame. 

Symptoms

Signs can include hives - those itchy, raised bumps. Horses may kick at themselves and bite their skin – sometimes to the point where they bleed. Rubbing affected areas on fence posts or water buckets can also provide temporary relief but can severely damage the skin. Some of the “wheals” can resemble donuts – a raised ring of swelling and inflammation with a “pit” in the center.  These poor horses are often irritable and can be difficult to ride. 

Control and Prevention

The best way to prevent allergy flare-ups is to prevent the bites.  Long-acting fly sprays (such as Freedom 45 Spot-On, from Star Horse Products NV) can be applied to fly sheets. Automated fly spray applicators should be considered for barn systems. Mosquito magnets should also be used in the barn and near the turnout paddocks.  Stabling your horse during peak seasons and times of day can reduce the number of bites. Avoid turnout near sources of flies, such as cattle or manure piles.  Severely affected horses may need veterinary treatment with corticosteroids. 

Immune Support

It has been well-documented that supplementation with omega fatty acids can reduce allergic reactions to insect bites in horses.(1) These omega fatty acids provide essential support to the immune system and aid in the skin’s ability to heal itself. A great example of how omega fatty acid supplementation has healing and soothing powers is found in an 18- week study of horses with mosquito bite allergic dermatitis in Florida.  The horses were supplemented with either high levels of omega-3 or with corn oil (high in omega-6) in a double-blinded crossover study.  The horses showed the most improvement in their comfort level when on the diet high in omega-3. (2)

Plant-based supplements such as Seabuck 7 Equine provide a rich source of omega-3, omega-7 and omega-9 fatty acids. Additionally, the natural sea buckthorn berry in Seabuck 7 Equine contains other skin support compounds such as Vitamin E, flavonoids and carotenoids.  Omega-7 is also an important component for proper skin healing and for maintaining elasticity. 

Additionally, topical preparations of sea buckthorn berry (Seabuck 7 Skin Relief) can be helpful to soothe and aid healing of hives, insect bites and minor abrasions. If your horse suffers from allergic dermatitis, this is a must-have remedy for your grooming kit!

Resources
(1) Rashmir-Raven, Ann.  Equine Dermatology: Allergic Dermatitis (EQ39). Western Veterinary Conference Proceedings. 2012.
(2) Friberg, C., Logas, D. Treatment of Culicoides Hypersensitive Horses with High Dose n-3 Fatty Acids: A Double-Blinded Crossover Study. Vet Dermatol. 1999;10(2):117-122. 

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting a new medication, remedy or nutritional supplement. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only – it is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease process. 

Key Health Benefits of the Elusive Omega 7

Our friends at Sibu Beauty put up a great article digging into the benefits of  sea buckthorn-

Sea Buckthorn: Nature's Perfect Omega 7

After hundreds of years of quiet use, word of the astounding benefits of Omega 7 Fatty Acid has finally reached the US. This rare but powerful “MUFA” (or Monounsaturated Fatty Acid) is popping up in media and in clinical study results across the country.

Omega 7 fatty acid (also called “Palmitoleic Acid” in most scientific and clinical publications) can be found in animal and plant sources, including macadamia nuts, cold-water fish and sea buckthorn berries. Sea buckthorn contains a much higher concentration of this valuable fatty acid, up to 40% as compared to 17% in macadamia nuts. While this omega has numerous skin and health benefits........Read Full Article

The "Skin"ny on Sea Buckthorn Pet Balm

Ah, summertime. The weather has warmed up nicely and you’re bound to be spending more time outdoors with your furry friends. Many families take advantage of the weather and take their dogs to the lake, fishing, or on camping trips. Wherever you may go this summer, it’s a good idea to take Seabuck7 Skin Relief Stick with you.  Why?  It is compact, lightweight and useful in case your pup needs some quick relief. 

What is Seabuck7 Skin Relief Stick?

The Skin Relief Stick was designed to be used on a variety of skin conditions or excessively dry areas. It is exceptionally useful in soothing inflamed skin. Its ingredient list is a gold mine of nutrient-boosting components that are well-known for soothing, protecting and nourishing skin. 

Skin Relief Stick contains:

• Coconut Oil
• Beeswax
• Wild Crafted Himalayan Sea Buckthorn Oil
• Sunflower Seed Oil
• Cocoa Seed Butter
• Shea Butter

What is it used for?

Skin Relief Stick was designed to be used on irritated, inflamed or dry skin.  If you spend a lot of time outside with your dog this summer, his or her paw pads may become rough and dry, especially if exposed to hot asphalt or sand. SeaBuck 7 Skin Relief Stick can be used after you clean and dry your dog’s paws – locking moisture into the pads. This is an excellent addition to your dog’s routine grooming.  Many veterinarians recommend bathing your dog every 7-10 days and use of fragrance-free, moisturizing conditioners. Moisturized paw pads are less likely to crack and get infected. If you live in an area with lots of snow and ice during the winter, Skin Relief Stick can be used as a protective barrier and moisturizer on the paw pads. 

If your dog is out on the trail with you camping, small cuts, abrasions and bug bites are bound to happen. A little of the Skin Relief Stick will help relieve discomfort and may help speed the healing process. 

Power of sea buckthorn berry, the all-natural “active ingredient”

Don’t rely on old, opened tubes of Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Cream any longer. These creams contain antibiotics and antifungals that are not beneficial for the healing of minor scrapes and hot spots in animals.  Also, in the age of microbial resistance to antibiotics, use of these ointments is not always responsible. Old, open containers can also mean that the active ingredients are no longer active.

Sea buckthorn berry contains a myriad of active ingredients, including antioxidants and omegas 3 and 7. Omega fatty acids are well known for improving the skin’s health.  Studies have also shown that sea buckthorn oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to prevent infection from setting in. 

If your dog suffers from time to time from “hot spots” – which often precipitate from a flea or environmental allergy – the Skin Relief Stick can aid in the healing process. Early intervention when your dog first develops a small hot spot can mean all the difference. If you notice that your dog is developing a hot spot, keep the area clean and free of air. If your pet is exceptionally uncomfortable, seek veterinary attention.  Skin Relief Stick is not recommended for use on open wounds or infected hot spots. Talk to your veterinarian before use, as products like Skin Relief Stick can be useful as a part of your dog’s treatment plan. Stay safe this summer and remember to be prepared! 

Q&A Interview with SeaBuck 7 Fan Bella

The newest addition to the SeaBuck 7 family is quite the cutie. If you haven't heard, we're having a special offer in Bella's honor for 25% OFF the entire SeaBuck 7 line. Since then, she's insisted we do a spotlight piece on her for all her fans and friends which she estimates to be in the millions!

She's a young bachelorette living and loving the single life, eating cheese and chicken when she pleases. She's a huge fan of our Omega 7 Oil and tells us, "It helps keep my curly fur young and puppy soft. My mom always told me to drink lots of water for healthy skin and a beautiful coat. While that's still great advice, I was introduced to sea buckthorn and it's become my 'secret weapon' when it comes to looking great, nourishing my heart and keeping my body healthy."

Here's Bella's wisdom in our Q&A interview:

SeaBuck 7: "So Bella, What were the first benefits you noticed using the Omega 7 Oil?"

Bella: "Well let me just start by saying, I hate going to the groomers. I hate it like a chew toy that doesn't squeak. Long story short, I won't be so upset on my next trip to the groomers. I've never gotten so many compliments on my coat before! I mean, I knew looked good, but not THAT good. I felt like a canine celebrity. Now I know how Scooby Doo and Lassie feel."

SeaBuck 7: That's great you've had a big improvement in your coat. The high omega 7 levels in our products really help nourish the skin and coat. What do you think about the taste on the Omega 7 Oil? What do you think other dogs will think of it?

Bella: "I'd say the taste will probably go unnoticed 99% of the time. Most of my friends don't even know it's mixed in with their food. Some love it so much they'll eat it right out of their owner's palm. It's great for even the pickiest pets, and believe me, I've got some pretty picky friends."

SeaBuck 7: Great! So all dogs can use the Omega 7 Oil without worrying about a strong or overpowering taste like some supplements available today?

Bella: "Definitely! Try it and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed."

SeaBuck 7: Bella, we have one final question to sum it all up. Why is it important to include clean, high nutrient supplements in your diet?

Bella: Well, Amber, my owner, started a new healthy lifestyle eating more fruits and veggies, adding some superfoods and staying away from "unhealthy" foods. It didn't take long before I could tell her overall health was improving and it got me thinking......what about me? How come I'm only getting the basics, and sometimes even less, while humans all over the world are getting some of the best stuff for their bodies. Are we not a living, breathing part of this life too? Just because we can't speak doesn't mean we're not missing out on essential nutrients that can help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives. More importantly, living longer, healthier and happier lives with YOU!

SeaBuck 7: "You make a good point Bella. Hopefully our interview will help other pet owners out there understand the importance of pet health and how by simply adding some select supplements to their pet's diet can make all the difference. Thanks your time and insight Bella. It's great to hear your point of view and we'll be looking forward to another interview soon."

Bella: "Thanks. It was a pleasure spending time with you guys. SeaBuck 7 Rocks! Oh, and by the way, any fan mail can be sent to care@seabuck.com. I also want to send a special shout-out to my favorite toy beaver provider www.PetFlow.com!

Try SeaBuck 7 Omega 7 Oil and See Why Bella is Such a Huge Fan! 

Use Special Coupon Code BELLA at check out for 25% Off! WWW.SEABUCK.COM

Hurry! Offer expires 7/23/14. Cannot be combined with any other offer. 

Barrel Racing Report on Ann Scott

We wanted to say thank you to Ann Scott for the great mention in Barrel Racing Report's "The Rundown" and to friend, and DVM Michel Burgard for keeping us up to date with her latest success! Keep up the great work!

Read the full article here....Barrel Racing Report

Contact local Canyon Country, CA Veterinarian Michele Burgard to get your gallon of SeaBuck 7 Equine today and see what it can do for your horse. 

Michele Burgard- DVM

Phone: 805-340-2715 

Email: mburgardvm@gmail.com

Drastic & Dramatic Improvement- In as Little as 30 Days!

Here's what Lindsay had to say about SeaBuck 7 Equine:

"When I first got Povertys Captainkirk he was nearly 500 lbs. under weight. He's been on SeaBuck 7 Equine for about 1-1/2 months."

When we asked her if she attributed this major improvement to SeaBuck her response was:

"I attribute it only to SeaBuck 7 because he has had less than 5 hrs. of riding and I only feed a 14% pellet and Bermuda grass hay. I tried another supplement prior and didn't see any change until about 2 weeks on SeaBuck 7, he started blossoming!"- Lindsay Potts of Hinton, OK

Get Your Gallon of SeaBuck 7 Equine Today>>>>

Horse with Heaves?- Simple Solutions

Spring is in full-swing and for some horse owners, this can be the start of another long season of heaves and related respiratory issues. You might be thinking, what is “heaves” and what does it have to do with spring and sea buckthorn berries?  Well, like many inflammatory diseases, heaves can severely affect your horse’s performance and overall well-being, and sea buckthorn berry may help turn things around.

What is “heaves”?

Heaves is the common name for a respiratory illness in horses characterized by coughing and asthma-like wheezing. It is also known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and formerly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The respiratory tract of these horses are so inflamed that sometimes their airway is completely obstructed by mucous and chronic swelling. Most of these horses must cough frequently to clear their airway and they breathe heavily at rest. Horses with severe or chronic heaves may sport a ‘heave line’ along their abdomen from where their abdominal muscles have had to work over-time just to breathe. 

Some experts think that human asthma and heaves are similar diseases with a common cause:  poor air quality, which causes chronic irritation and over-reaction of the immune system.(1) There are generally two types of heaves, one being ‘summer pasture-associated’ and the other ‘winter/stable-associated.’  Spring and summer sufferers of heaves are irritated by increased pollen and mold counts and smog. These horses typically have more problems when they are housed at pasture. Horses that are stabled frequently or all the time are often ‘winter’ sufferers, and these horses react to the aerosolized particles found in the dusty environment of a typical barn.(2) 

Many horses who suffer from heaves have difficulty performing to their potential. Some horses are retired early due to this issue. Some may have an episode or two in their lives where they simply cannot breathe, requiring emergency interventions. 

Treatment

There are a great number of treatments available for horses with heaves.  Most veterinarians recommend strict environmental management.  For example, summer pasture-associated sufferers may benefit from being housed in a low-dust barn and away from blooming grasses in the pasture. Dunking hay in water to remove dust particles is also a helpful management strategy.  Concrete-floored barns with good ventilation are optimal. The solid floor can be frequently swept and hosed down to keep the dust from building up.  Feed and hay should be stored away from the main barn area to keep down the dust.  Bedding can also be an issue, as some horses react to the dust found in wheat straw or pine shavings. 

Mild cases can be managed through environmental change and sometimes antihistamine therapy if the vet suspects an allergic component. Other cases may need inhalants such as bronchodilators and even steroid therapy for management. 

How can sea buckthorn berry help?

The goal of treatment is to prevent or curb inflammation so that the airways are not swollen and causing obstruction.  There are a great number of compounds in sea buckthorn berry that may help with cases of heaves. Omegas 3 and 7 are especially noted for their anti-inflammatory prowess.(3) The airway is lined by a type of epithelium called the mucous membrane, which is severely inflamed in horses with heaves. Sea buckthorn berry has been shown to promote healing along the surfaces of mucous membranes throughout the body, not limited to the oral cavity and stomach.(4)

Supplementing your horse daily long-term may lower inflammation to an acceptable level and for some horses, this may make all the difference.  Talk to your veterinarian about incorporating sea buckthorn berry into your horse’s treatment plan and consider it daily for optimal overall health. 


Resources:
(1)  Mazan, Melissa. Horses and Humans: Shared Environment, Shared Disease? ACVIM Proceedings. 2011.
(2) Couetil, L. et al., Inflammatory Airway Disease of Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2007;21:356–361
(3)  Corbee, Ronald. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Diseases. 22nd ECVIM-CA Congress Proceedings. 2012.
(4) Huff, N. et al., Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2012. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.

Customer Success Story: 30 Days to Improvement!

"My name is Lynn and I have an 8 year old Quarter Horse named Frosty Bud Light that I compete on for barrel racing. Bud had issues with ulcers when I bought him and began his training as a 6 year old. I treated with Omeprazole and had good improvement. This past summer he needed hock surgery and the stress and stall confinement brought his ulcers back. I treated with Omeprazole again and this time did not get the results I had gotten last time. I assumed Bud had hind gut ulcers, but really wasn't sure how to help him.

Bud was refusing the gate with a vengeance. He would NOT run in the pattern and became a 3D horse. Throughout everything he continued to look amazing though. His coat was shiny and he was very fit and kept his weight on easily. He has always been a VERY picky eater. He would eat all of his feed, but it would take forever and he’d always eat hay before grain.

I was getting ready to give up on Bud when I found your product on the internet. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I ordered a bottle and within the first 30 days saw improvement…he was not quite as scary in the alleyway/outside the gate and he ran a little harder and longer in the pattern. After 60 days, he refuses mildly and runs almost the entire pattern and is a becoming a 1D horse in a very tough area of Texas. 

I’m starting my third bottle now and he is eating much faster at feeding time and will eat grain and hay together instead of hay first and taking all night to finish the grain. I am amazed at what SeaBuck has done for Bud. I always knew he could be a very talented horse, but just couldn't convince him to give me his all. 

Thanks for a product that actually works!"

~ Lynn H.- Texas

Do you have your own SeaBuck 7 success story? Send it to us at care@seabuck.com.  

Not All Sea Buckthorn is Created Equal!

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn is a fully sustainable, hardy, thorn-laden deciduous shrub that is found throughout Canada, Eastern Europe and Asia. It produces brilliant golden-orange berries that are packed full of antioxidants and health-boosting omega fatty acids. The Ancient Greeks discovered that wounded horses that foraged on the leaves and berries of the wild sea buckthorn healed quickly and had excellent coat and skin quality. Sea buckthorn’s scientific name is taken from these observations- Hippophae rhamnoides, translating to “shining horse.”  

Why choose a pure, whole-food sourced sea buckthorn supplement?

Our Seabuck 7 supplements are made from 100% whole-fruit, wild-crafted sea buckthorn berries, unlike many other sea buckthorn sources harvested from artificial man-made farms. SeaBuck 7’s sea buckthorn pulp and oils are 100% pure, not “purified”. Our readers and customers tend to be very well educated in the world of natural health and understand that “purified” oils may contain residual chemicals from processing, which can be harmful to your pet’s health. Some of the residues even contain known carcinogens! This purification process also exposes the fatty acids to high temperatures, breaking them down and causing the oil to go rancid. Rancid oils not only have a funny flavor and smell, making it less palatable to your furry friend, but it also loses its nutritional value. Remember to look for pure, not purified.

Seabuck 7 pure sea buckthorn fruit oil contains up to 37% omega-7 oil, the highest known source in the world. Sibu and Seabuck produce oil extracts using a simple process called CO2 supercritical extraction. Put simply, it works like a big espresso machine. High-pressure CO2 is put through the sea buckthorn, forcing out the oil component without any type of solvents or chemicals, even leaving the CO2 recyclable! This process retains the integrity of the omega-7 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the numerous varieties of carotenoids, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.   

Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants Found in Sea Buckthorn Berries

Omega 3 Omega 6 Omega 7 Omega 9

Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Vitamin B5 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C

Carotenoids Selenium Quercetin Myricetin

Seabuck 7:  Ecological, Sustainable and Improving Lives

Our sea buckthorn berries are sourced high in the pristine Himalayan mountains where we work directly with local women who harvest the berries using their simple, yet effective traditional methods. These ancient methods protect the integrity of the plant, the soil and our final product. What’s even better? Our fair-trade agreement has enabled us to increase their income by 500%, allowing them to care for their family through the year by working a single harvest. We take our conscious minded efforts all the way to the finished product. SeaBuck 7 products are all made in the U.S.A. under strict quality control standards and guidelines to provide the cleanest and highest quality sea buckthorn for our four-legged friends.

In 2009 Sibu Beauty, the sister company to Seabuck, and co-founder Nico Khanna were recognized and blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the ongoing humanitarian, economic and sustainability efforts in local villages. We are dedicated to and will continue our philanthropic efforts to create a better world for all of us involved.

Sea buckthorn berry’s health benefits for your pet*:

• Shiny Coat and flexible, healthy Skin
• Healthy Heart and Circulation
• Healthy Digestion
• Aid for Gastrointestinal problems
• Sea buckthorn berry extracts and whole-fruit purees have been scientifically shown to prevent and treat gastric ulcers in horses and other mammals**
• Nutritional Support for Diabetics**
• Promotes healthy weight
• Promotes healthy joints
• Reduces inflammation
• Fights cellular free-radical damage

Stay as close to nature as possible. Whole-foods and minimally processed supplements contain higher levels of nutrients in ratios the way nature intended and are better absorbed and assimilated into the body. Your animal friend will certainly gain more from selecting the purest products, unaltered by any man-made process, like SeaBuck 7!

* References

1. Yang, et. al., 2011, Chronic administration of palmitoleic acid reduces insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation in KK-Ay mice and genetic type 2 diabetes. Lipids in Health and Disease, Vol. 10:120.
2. Cao, et al., 2008, Identification of a lipokine, a lipid hormone linking adipose tissue to systemic metabolism, Cell, Vol. 134: 933-944.
3. Wu, Y. et al., 1997, Effects of total flavones of fructus Hippophae (TFH) on cardiac function and hemodynamics of anesthetized open-chest dogs with acute heart failure. Zhongguo  Zhong Yao Za Zhi. Vol. 22 (7) 9-31, 448.
4. Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.
5. Xing, J. et al., 2002 December, Effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) seed and pulp oils on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats. Fitoterapia. Vol. 73(7-8), 644-50.

**  Talk to your veterinarian about including SeaBuck 7 products in your pet’s treatment plan.