Today, I have a special guest called Peggy joining me to share her story of overcoming the health challenges she faced with her horse Cami.

Peggy lives in Alabama. She has two horses, one of which is a 36-year-old Arabian Quarter Horse cross. The other is Cami, a 13-year-old Oldenburg Quarter Horse mare. I began working with Peggy in 2021 when Cami had several challenging health conditions.

Initial Contact and Reason for Appointment

After hearing me on a podcast, Peggy initially contacted me to help her 36-year-old horse, Sterling, who was struggling with FICO water syndrome. During our discussions, she realized that her other horse, Cami, who was dealing with chronic uveitis, could also benefit from my understanding.

Background on Cami

Peggy bought Cami in 2020 during the pandemic. She found her online and learned that Cami had only been away from her breeder for about eight months. Initially, she had a stress-free life on 40 acres with a herd, but her next home was stressful. She was kept in a stall 24/7 with little outdoor time and no herd contact, which was a drastic change for her.

Initial Health Concerns

When Peggy brought Cami home, she knew she had eye issues, and the vet confirmed a minor irritation. Peggy initially managed it with medication, even considering the possibility of removing the eye if necessary. However, as Cami settled in, various other health issues emerged, including weight gain, crusty neck, and anxiety.

Treatment and Medications

Peggy tried multiple medications to manage Cami’s eye issues, including oral anti-inflammatories and ointments. Taking her to an ophthalmologist was challenging due to her anxiety around trailering, so Peggy had to manage treatments at home with my help and with that of her vet. It required significant teamwork and research.

Initial Attitude and Goals

Peggy was determined to save Cami’s eye, feeling that surgery was not a viable option due to her reactive state and the stress it would cause her. She began using positive reinforcement and clicker training to help her administer the medication, which allowed us to manage the symptoms but not solve the underlying problem.

Holistic Approach and Realizations

Reducing stress and holistically addressing equine health is essential for managing chronic conditions like uveitis. Peggy explains that Cami’s health conditions worsened in a less stressful environment as her body began to express the underlying imbalances.

Health Deterioration and Progress

Peggy recalls how Cami developed a cataract and went blind in one eye after a severe reaction to annual vaccinations. That led to a visit from an ophthalmologist and required intense medication to save the eye. That period was the beginning of our understanding of how her hypersensitivity led to complex health issues.

Managing Multiple Health Issues

Cami’s immune system was hypersensitive. She reacted to various triggers like vaccinations, ant bites- and even organic fly sprays. Although the increased sensitivity was a sign of her body healing, it also added a layer of complexity to her care.

Initial Treatment Strategy

My first treatment program for Cami focused on improving her digestion, regulating her insulin and blood sugar, and reducing oxidative stress rather than directly addressing the eye issue. Peggy began to notice improvements in her overall health, including weight loss, a shinier coat, and healthier hooves.

Importance of Detailed Observation

Regular photos helped Peggy monitor changes and effectiveness of treatments and helped her make informed decisions regarding Cami’s care. Daily observation and documentation were also required to track her progress.

Milestones in Treatment

By October 2021, Peggy was able to reduce Cami’s nonsteroidal medications while maintaining stability in her condition. That was significant as it demonstrated that the holistic approach was working.

Setback and Relapse

In the summer of 2022, stress from fireworks caused a significant setback in Cami’s condition. Peggy had to sedate her to manage her anxiety, which led to a chronic flare-up in her eye condition that culminated in a severe corneal ulcer and abscess. That was challenging and required a shift in our treatment focus.

Goal Setting and Medication Realization

Realizing that the medication was not helping Cami due to her hypersensitivity, we decided to stop all her medication despite our concern about eye flare-ups, potential loss of the eye, or worse outcomes.

Nutritional Support and Holistic Approach

In one instance, Cami had a flare-up, but instead of reacting with more medication, we supported her nutritionally. Inflammation tissue salts proved effective, calming her condition without additional medication. That incident highlights the importance of nutritional and holistic support in Cami's healing process.

Peggy's Emotional Journey

Although Cami's problems were simple, involving friends and food, Peggy acknowledges that impulsive reactions to equine health issues complicate the situation. So, owners need to understand that removing long-term medications can initially worsen symptoms before improving them as the body adjusts to healing naturally.

Homeopathic Treatment and Natural Healing

In another incident, Cami reacted to homeopathic sulfur with facial blisters, indicating the healing process was underway. Although alarming, that reaction was a positive sign in the healing process.

Metabolic Imbalance and Detoxification

Correcting metabolic imbalances and detoxifying the body is crucial in the healing process, as oral medications contribute to the toxic load, making it difficult for the liver to function efficiently. Addressing those issues is essential for achieving a healthy metabolism and overall healing.

Holistic Support and Divine Intervention

Peggy believes in divine intervention and the power of a positive mindset. Throughout the healing journey, she maintained a hopeful and positive attitude, visualizing a healthy outcome for Cami. She maintains that that, combined with consistent holistic support, played a significant role in her recovery.

Visualization and Positive Energy

Peggy continuously visualized a healthy eye to maintain her positive mindset. She highlights the importance of owners managing their energy and intentions, as horses are sensitive to the emotional state of their owners, which can significantly impact their recovery.

Shifting Perspective on Healing

Peggy shifted her perspective on healing and health as she learned the importance of knowing what her animals consume. She now prioritizes holistic diets for her horses and herself, as she understands that true healing requires time and consistent effort.

Trusting the Process

Trusting the healing process and letting go of attachment to the outcome, combined with good nutrition and holistic support, led to successful recovery. The dedication and consistency have certainly paid off, as Cami is now a healthy and content horse.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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This week, we are looking at uveitis, sometimes known as moon blindness in horses.

Uveitis is a big concern for horse owners because it can lead to blindness and, in severe cases, even result in the horse losing an eye. Even in traditional medicine, the exact cause of this complex and chronic condition remains elusive. 

So, today, I approach uveitis from a holistic perspective, exploring its various facets and potential treatments.

Understanding Uveitis

Uveitis, indicated by the suffix itis, denotes inflammation, specifically chronic inflammation of the uvea, which is one of the layers of the eye. The uvea comprises three structures- the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, which could get damaged in uveitis cases.

Possible Causes and Holistic Approach

The causes of uveitis are diverse and often unknown. A holistic approach considers dietary, lifestyle, and nutritional interventions to reduce inflammation and potentially save the affected eye. Many believe uveitis is triggered by infections or autoimmune responses, leading to continuous inflammation and tissue damage.

Genetic Predisposition

Appaloosa horses are eight times more likely to develop equine recurrent uveitis, indicating a genetic predisposition. Despite that, horse owners should focus on mitigating the condition with an appropriate diet and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.

Stress and Toxicity

Stress and toxicity are significant triggers for uveitis flare-ups. Stressful events, like separation from the herd or lifestyle changes, can exacerbate the condition. Toxins from medications or vaccinations can also overload the immune system, leading to increased inflammation.

Free Radical Damage

Free radicals cause considerable damage to tissues, contributing to conditions like uveitis. Antioxidants play a role in neutralizing free radicals, as they protect the tissues from oxidative stress and potential DNA mutations.

Connection to Metabolic Disorders

Horses with metabolic disorders like insulin resistance or Cushing's disease are more susceptible to uveitis. Those conditions cause chronic inflammation and tissue breakdown, particularly affecting the eyes.

Importance of Liver Health

A healthy liver is crucial for eye health, as the liver is responsible for metabolism and detoxification. Supporting liver function through proper diet and supplementation can help reduce the toxic load on the body, protecting the eyes from further damage.

Dietary Considerations

Dietary management is essential, as a diet that minimizes metabolic stress and supports liver function helps to manage the progression of uveitis. It is crucial to eliminate excess sugars, fats, and proteins, as they can exacerbate inflammation and put additional pressure on the liver. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber and essential nutrients.

Antioxidants and Supplements

The antioxidants most beneficial for uveitis include zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and Coenzyme Q10. Those help reduce inflammation and support overall eye health. However, supplementation should be approached cautiously and tailored to the individual needs of each horse.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies like Apis, derived from honeybees, can reduce inflammation and swelling in uveitis cases. However, addressing underlying factors such as stress and metabolic imbalances is also essential.

Conclusion

Managing uveitis requires a comprehensive approach that includes dietary adjustments and addressing underlying health issues. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, owners can improve the outcomes for horses suffering from this chronic condition.

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

This week, we are shifting our focus to hormones in mares.

Many horse owners are eager to learn how to manage hormonal mares and better understand their behavior. While the most intense symptoms of hormone changes tend to surface in spring, chronic issues can persist year-round, making them challenging to handle, as hormonal imbalances can significantly alter their brain chemistry, behavior, and well-being.

As most women know, hormones are powerful and can cause severe symptoms. Unfortunately, horses cannot easily communicate what they are experiencing. So, today, I share tips on approaching hormonal issues with mares naturally and holistically.

Introduction to Hormonal Imbalances in Horses

Hormonal imbalances in horses, particularly mares and geldings, have become normalized in the industry. That has led to a lack of awareness about healthy hormone levels. The primary causes of hormone imbalances are stress, nutrient deficiencies, and toxicity, which disrupt homeostasis in the body.

Seasonal Hormonal Changes

In spring, increased daylight triggers hormonal changes in mares. Their eyes absorb more light, activating the endocrine system, including the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hypothalamus, known as the master gland, orchestrates these changes by stimulating various hormones in response to environmental factors such as temperature, fluid balance, hunger, and stress.

Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland Interaction

The hypothalamus links the nervous and endocrine systems, receiving environmental information and eliciting a response by stimulating the pituitary gland with neural hormones. This complex interaction prepares mares for reproduction, producing follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones for estrogen and progesterone production in the ovaries.

Estrus Cycle and Hormonal Symptoms

A healthy mare experiences a 21-day estrus cycle, with ovulation around day 16 and heat lasting 4-6 days. However, many mares suffer from hormonal imbalances, leading to chronic heat cycles and symptoms such as uterine pain, colic, sweating, frequent urination, back pain, and general stiffness. These symptoms often go unrecognized as hormonal issues.

Behavioral and Emotional Impact

Hormonal imbalances also affect the behavior of mares, causing agitation, anger, depression, fatigue, and anxiety. That can impact their ability to cooperate with humans, making them unsafe and hard to handle. Recognizing and addressing the imbalances through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve their behavior and overall well-being.

Conventional and Holistic Approaches

While hormone replacement therapies are commonplace, they come with many side effects, including weight gain, uterine infections, and risks to human handlers. Medications like synthetic progesterone and medroxyprogesterone suppress estrus, but their risks often outweigh the benefits. A holistic approach focusing on diet, nutrition, and natural remedies is better for long-lasting results.

The Role of Stress and Nutrition

Stress significantly impacts hormonal balance, as elevated cortisol and insulin levels disrupt the physical equilibrium. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin B6 and magnesium, contribute to hormonal issues. Essential fatty acids, calcium, and Vitamin B12 will also support hormone regulation and overall health.

Protein and Alfalfa

Excessive protein intake can lead to behavioral and anxiety problems in horses. While protein is essential, horses do not require as much as some owners might think. Be cautious with alfalfa, a high-protein forage, and ensure it is relevant and appropriate for your horse.

Commercial Feeds and Hormone Impact

Commercial feeds can contain various ingredients that affect hormone levels in horses. Some ingredients, like soy, have phytoestrogens and preservatives that interfere with endocrine pathways. Adjusting or removing commercial feeds from their diet can significantly improve their behavior, health, and hormone balance.

Managing Stress Levels

Chronic stress in horses can imbalance hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, adrenaline, and cortisol. That is why owners should minimize their stress levels and become aware of any stress-related signals. Movement is also essential for proper hormone metabolism and detoxification.

Importance of Movement

Movement is vital for the equine metabolism, circulation, and lymphatic system. Confinement and lack of social interaction can lead to health issues that no amount of nutrition or supplements can fix. Ensuring horses have regular exercise and playtime with other horses is crucial for their overall health.

Liver and Hindgut Health

Liver and microbiome health are the keys to proper hormone metabolism. Horses with liver toxicity or an imbalanced microbiome cannot metabolize hormones effectively. So, owners must consider the overall health profile of their horses, including signs of chronic infections or skin conditions, as part of managing hormone regulation.

Horse-Human Relationship

Horses can mirror the hormonal imbalances and stress levels of their owners. If an owner has high stress or hormonal issues, it can affect the health of their horses. When owners manage their health and stress levels, it can positively impact the health of their horses.

Practical Steps for Managing Hormonal Mares

To manage hormonal mares, consider these five steps:

1. Dietary Adjustments: Monitor sugar andalfalfa intake, as excess alfalfa can overstimulate the pituitary gland and disrupt the microbiome, contributing to hormonal issues.
2. Stress Reduction: Implement strategies to minimize stress, especially in competitive horses.
3. Nutritional Support: Ensure adequate intake of key nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, essential fatty acids, calcium, and B12.
4. Liver Health: Support liver function through a balanced diet and supplements to improve hormone metabolism.
5. Holistic Management: Adopt a holistic approach to address underlying causes of hormonal imbalances, focusing on diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies.

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