Strange or mysterious symptoms in horses can often confuse their owners, leaving them unsure of how they should move forward. So, owners must learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of food intolerances and understand the pivotal role that food can play in providing them with insights and solutions.

Unidentified Symptoms

Symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, lethargy, or depression are often indicators of dietary issues in horses. Feed intolerances can also lead to physical reactions, like inflammation, itchy skin, and hormonal imbalances, affecting their mental and physical well-being.  

Digestive Health and Food Allergies

Horses with compromised digestion, especially those with metabolic conditions, often develop food allergies. Leaky gut syndrome, caused by excessive starches, sugars, and chemicals, leads to inflammation and allergic reactions. That can result in behavior changes, irritability, and physical discomfort. Recognizing and addressing those allergies is vital for overall equine health.

Removing Sugar and Monitoring Ingredients

Reducing sugar intake is critical for horses, particularly those with allergies or metabolic issues. High-sugar hay, pasture grass, and certain supplements can exacerbate problems. Pay attention to ingredient lists and avoid feeds with long lists of additives and preservatives. Instead, opt for a simple diet to minimize the chances of allergic reactions or toxic build-up.

Common Allergens and Their Impact

Alfalfa is a common allergen despite its benefits for protein-deficient horses. Symptoms of alfalfa allergy include anxiety, digestive discomfort, and inflammation. Horses with a history of high-alfa diets may have accumulated toxicity. Although Timothy cubes are generally low in sugar, they can cause allergic reactions in some horses. Changing to hay can sometimes resolve those issues.

Process of Elimination for Identifying Allergies

Use a process of elimination to identify feed intolerances. Start with hay for a few days and watch for any improvements. If the symptoms persist, consider the possibility of a hay allergy and check for quality issues, like mold or dust. This method helps owners to pinpoint dietary triggers and allows for more precise adjustments.

Conclusion

Every element of the diet is significant for the overall well-being of horses. That is why informed choices are essential to support their health and vitality. By carefully managing their diets, owners can ensure their horses thrive both physically and mentally.

This week, we focus on Cushing syndrome, now known as PPID.

There is currently an epidemic of horses being diagnosed with this issue. It is a complex condition involving much chemistry and many hormones. So, I will continue exploring it in the next few episodes.

Cushing's Syndrome and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)

Even though the term Cushing's Syndrome in the horse health industry recently transitioned to Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), I still prefer referring to it as Cushing's Syndrome, as that term encompasses the complexity of the condition, which involves multiple glands, not just the pituitary gland.

A Holistic View

Cushing’s Syndrome might be defined more accurately as a hormonal imbalance rather than a pituitary issue. It is a complex condition involving many hormones and bodily systems, and many believe that underlying factors such as diet and lifestyle contribute to it, as it cannot be due to random occurrences.

Stress and Inflammation as Root Causes

Stress and inflammation are the key contributors to developing PPID or Cushing's Syndrome. When overstimulated due to stress or inflammation, the pituitary gland produces ACTH, leading to an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. That hormonal imbalance can lead to various health issues in horses over time.

Pituitary Gland and Adenoma Development

In advanced stages of PPID or Cushing's Syndrome, a growth known as an adenoma may develop on the pituitary gland, which complicates treatment. Addressing the underlying causes, like diet and lifestyle, can sometimes reverse early-stage symptoms and reduce ACTH levels.

Holistic Treatment Approaches

A multi-faceted, individualized approach is essential for treating horses with PPID or Cushing's Syndrome. Since symptoms, conditions, and history of horses vary, a one-size-fits-all treatment is ineffective. For that reason, customizing programs to the individual horse is crucial for managing the condition.

Hormonal Imbalance and Related Symptoms

Horses with PPID often exhibit symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, like changes in shedding patterns, hair coat, excessive sweating, and fatigue. The symptoms can vary from horse to horse, making it essential to assess each case individually.

Metabolic and Immune System Impact

PPID affects the metabolism of horses, often leading to weight gain or loss, depending on the stage of the condition. The immune system also gets compromised, making horses more susceptible to infections and other health issues. Long-term elevated cortisol levels can cause muscle wasting and a weakened immune response.

Importance of Diet and Nutrition

Diet plays a significant role in managing PPID, as there is a link between sugar and inflammation in the condition. It is crucial to ensure that horses receive proper nutrition without any inflammatory ingredients. Monitoring and adjusting diet based on individual needs can help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

Final Thoughts on Managing PPID

Managing PPID in horses requires a holistic approach that considers the complexity of the condition. By addressing underlying factors such as stress, inflammation, diet, and lifestyle, horse owners can help regulate hormonal imbalances and improve the quality of life of their horses.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally, now

Riva’s Remedies

This week, we are exploring sweet itch, also known as summer eczema.

This condition usually affects horses with hypersensitivity to insect bites and often occurs from bites from flies, mosquitoes, and especially biting midges, commonly called no-see-ums.

The occurrence and severity of sweet itch largely depend on environmental factors and the individual immune system of each horse.

Susceptibility to Sweet Itch

Black horses and those with weakened immunity are more susceptible to sweet itch. Bugs target weaker horses, causing severe allergic reactions. Those reactions manifest as itching, rubbing, and discomfort, often leading to hair loss, sores, and bleeding. The immune response to these bites results in inflammation and welts, similar to how mosquito bites affect humans.

Impact of Diet and Environment

Diet and environmental factors significantly influence the susceptibility of each horse to sweet itch, and the condition can become exacerbated by high sugar intake, inappropriate grains, and poor-quality fats. Horses with compromised immune systems due to ulcers, metabolic issues, or nutrient deficiencies are more prone to severe reactions.

The Acid Mantle

The acid mantle is a protective layer of the skin. It is crucial in defending against insect bites and infections. However, it can get damaged by a poor diet and toxins.

Holistic Approach to Management

A holistic approach to managing sweet itch involves strengthening the immune system and overall health. That includes addressing underlying conditions such as ulcers, metabolic issues, and nutrient deficiencies. Natural remedies, dietary adjustments, and supportive supplements play a vital role. An example is vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps maintain skin health.

Natural Remedies and Supplements

Natural fly sprays and topical applications, like Riva's Herbal Skin Oil, can relieve itching and prevent infections. Holistic treatments, such as the Summer Tincture containing calendula, echinacea, linden, and milk thistle, help neutralize allergic reactions and support overall immune health. When you combine the use of those remedies with a clean diet and toxin elimination, it can significantly improve the condition of your horse.

Conclusion

Sweet itch is a challenging condition that requires a comprehensive approach to manage effectively. By addressing diet, immune health, and environmental factors, horse owners can help their horses overcome this uncomfortable ailment. Natural remedies and supportive supplements can offer significant relief and lead to long-term health.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally, now

Riva’s Remedies