Tag: Laminitis

Horses and CBD
17Oct

Horses and CBD

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are found in cannabis and hemp. They match and map to endocannabinoids in the ECS (Endocannabinoid System) found in all mammals. These systems are not identical across each species, but they do function in much the same way.

Phytocannabinoids trigger an entire inventory of medical therapeutic applications. THC is the best known of all of these elements, but it’s the one that produces the psychoactive effects that placed it on the FDA’s Schedule 1 of drugs. Hemp, on the other hand, has less than .3% THC, and more importantly, Hemp-extracted CBD-oil is legal in all 50 states.

The ECS is common to mammals. It involves their brains, nervous systems, organs and immune systems in many extensive and complex ways. The prescription medications used to treat medical conditions must be processed by the horse’s physiology, but cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids are simply assimilated.

Cannabinoids and their effects on animals:

An extremely extensive study done in 1999 about Cannabinoids and Animal Physiology concluded with the following highlights:

“Cannabinoids likely have a natural role in pain modulation, control of movement, and memory.

The natural role of cannabinoids in immune systems is likely multi-faceted and remains unclear.

The brain develops tolerance to cannabinoids.

Animal research has demonstrated the potential for dependence, but this potential is observed under a narrower range of conditions than with benzodiazepines, opiates, cocaine, or nicotine.

Withdrawal symptoms can be observed in animals but appear mild compared with those of withdrawal from opiates or benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium).”

The research has been focused on the reaction of lab animals, but there are fundamental commonalities in the physiology of lab animals, domestic pets and livestock.

Cannabinoids and their effects on horses:

Horses constantly live in a state of “fight or flight.” They have instinctive fears of falling or tripping. Having no ability to see behind them, they worry about what’s going on behind them… and if you have been around horses enough, you realize they really would prefer to run wild.

In addition to their anxiety and stress, horses are subject to a large amount of medical problems: arthritis, herd bound issues, muscle soreness, chronic laminitis, stall rest, trailering stress and much more.

Equine Arthritis: Aging horses develop Degenerative Joint Disease (DID) along with Traumatic Joint Disease – that appears as pain, swollen joints, and stiffness.

Chronic Laminitis: According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners -Laminitis results from the disruption of blood flow to the sensitive and insensitive laminae. These laminae structures within the foot secure the coffin bone to the hoof wall. Inflammation often permanently weakens the laminae and interferes with the wall-bone bond. In very severe cases, the hoof wall and bone can separate. Among other causes, laminitis relates to aging, digestive issues, and severe colic.

Herd Bound Issues: Horses are prey animals that find comfort in membership in a herd with other horses. They are social in their fear, so they suffer anxiety when separated from the horse social circle.

Muscle Soreness: Horses suffer muscle pain and strain, especially after exercise. It is usually relieved with physiotherapy and rest. Riders and owners are often unaware of the pain horses feel around the saddle area and in their legs following an active ride.

Stall Rest: Equiresearch explains, “Weeks of cooped-up idleness can make your horse aggressive, anxious, or dull, and can even interfere with his healing unless you anticipate and counteract the effects of confinement.”

Trailering Stress: Horses, for the most part, are claustrophobic.  As a prey animal, they instinctively prefer wide open spaces. Tight, mobile areas stress them because they restrict an escape route and even the room to turn around. In addition to that, horses have long memories of uncomfortable and unstable rides from their past.

CBD (cannabidiol) has proven beneficial effects for all these conditions and more. In horses and other mammals, CBD-rich extracts can help to treat:

  • Anxiety
  • Inflammation
  • Chronic Pain
  • Separation Anxiety/ Generalized Anxiety
  • Digestion and Appetite
  • Arthritis
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

The values in CBD Oil:

CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis sativa plant and hemp. CBD oil is an extract that does NOT include the psychoactive THC.  Equine researchers and veterinarians have become very interested in the health benefits following the administration of full-spectrum CBD oil.

Full-spectrum CBD oil for horses will act as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiolytic, anticonvulsant antiemetic, and anti-tumoral therapy.  It produces no negative side effects and it can be administered orally.

Due to its strictly natural origin and production, the FEI and U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) do not list it as a prohibited supplement in competition rules (although you may want to double check the regulations at your local competition).

At its core, CBD oil treats a broad spectrum of anxiety related issues in horses, thoroughbreds, quarter horses and also pets.

founder in horses
15Sep

Founder In Horses

What is Founder?:

Founder occurs due to the lack of blood flow in the laminae which produces inflammation in the hoof. As time goes by, the cells of the laminae are damaged due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients that are found in the blood. If the problem is not treated in the early stages of founder, the laminae will start to die and cause more problems along with pain. When the laminae die, the coffin bone can no longer support the weight of the horse. Sometimes the coffin bone can protrude through the sole, resulting in a possible irreversible case of lameness and excruciating pain.

Founder (aka laminitis) in horses is a very serious condition of the foot caused by the coffin bone rotating and pointing towards the horse’s sole. This is extremely painful and in some instances it may be necessary to euthanize the horse.

founder

The Symptoms of Founder in Horses:

Founder can happen in any of hoof, but most often it happens in the front. Some of the most common signs and symptons of founder are:

  1. Sudden lameness
  2. Reluctance to walk or move
  3. Laying down more often
  4. Pulse felt in the foot Alternating weight from leg to leg Does not want to lift, bend, or raise a leg
  5. Warm/hot hoof
  6. Obvious pain when standing or moving
  7. Standing with front legs out in front of their body
  8. Movement or rotation of coffin bone
  9. Standing with both front and rear legs under their body

Types Of Founder:

  1. Acute founder is the sudden breakdown of the attachment between the hoof and the laminae (coffin bone)
  2. Chronic founder is the continuation of acute laminitis past the 72 hourmark
  3. Support-limb founder happens to the healthy hoof that must bear the weight of an injured hoof

The Causes of Founder:

  1. Feeding your horse large amounts of soluble carbohydrates could cause an overload of undigested sugars and starches
  2. High fever or illness that causes equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
  3. Severe cases of colic such as stress from travelling, foaling, or changes in the horses environment
  4. Infections such as a severe bacterial infection can cause blood poisoning (toxemia) and founder
  5. Working too hard or fast for a long period of time
  6. Cushing’s disease is a pituitary gland disease that causes increased hunger, thirst, sweating, and weight loss… and possibly founder.

founder

Diagnosis of Founder:

Be prepared to tell your veterinarian your horse’s medical history along with their vaccination history. This will give your vet a head start prior to a comprehensive physical and lameness examination which includes palpation of certain areas for pain, heat, and inflammation. A static flexion will also be done to check out the range of motion. The veterinarian will ask you to trot your horse off to observe the horse in motion. A hoof tester  is used next to put pressure on certain areas of the foot to find the exact location. In addition, the veterinarian will need to get x-rays of the hoof to check the alignment of the coffin bone and may also do an ultrasound as well for a more detailed view.

Treatment of Founder in Horses Treatment of founder depends on the cause. The underlying problem must be treated at the same time to ensure success.

Medications To Be Used:

Your veterinarian will first administer a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to relieve inflammation and pain. A thyroid supplement will be given only if your horse is found to have Cushing’s disease. Heel wedge Cuffs, heart bar shoes or foam supports can be used for support. Sole putty can be used from the heels to the tip of the frog to provide support to the frog.

Cold Therapy– A MUST:

The number one way to administer cold therapy is by immersing your horse’s hoof in ice water on and off for at least three full days. Twenty minutes in ice, then thirty minutes out and keep repeating.  You will have to consistently replace the ice to keep the water temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

founder

Absolute Stall Rest:

Keep your horse in a quiet stall with enough bedding to support the frog. Your veterinarian will most likely suggest this for at least one week to one month.

Surgery Options:

There are few options for surgery such are a hoof wall resection or deep digital flexor tenotomy.

Recovery of Foundered Horses:

The prognosis for a foundered horse is guarded. While some horses may be able to withstand the treatment or even heal on their own, others may never come sound and be in constant pain and therefore may need to be euthanized.