Buzz From The Barn

Cushings, Human vs Horse Doses & Arnica – June 2022

Madalyn Ward, DVM shares her answers to specific holistic horse care questions from clients. To see more questions and answers on real holistic horse care situations check out our Holistic Horsekeeping and Horse Harmony Facebook pages.

Q – I have a question about using the powdered algae/probiotic/enzyme blend. The bottle states that humans should take 1 tsp. but I thought you told me my horse should also receive 1 tsp. per day? Are we just starting out slowly then increasing at some point? Also, do I continue to give my horse a multivitamin like Transfer Factor or does the algae supplement cover everything she would require?

A – Horses do take the same amount of the algae blend product as people. Even big horses. This puzzled me until I started reading about the power of whole foods like blue green algae to heal our DNA. The body can use the algae and other whole foods in the blend to heal on the level of the DNA so very little is needed. The vitamins and minerals are also almost 100% assimilated. I am not sure about Transfer Factor, but many multivitamins are mainly synthetic in origin. The Essentials can replace formulated, synthetic products. If the Transfer Factors is whole food based, you can continue it along with the blend.

Q – I’ve got a mare that has had a hematoma on the front of her stifle for a week and four days. It looks a little bigger than when I first noticed it. It was about the size of a top 1/4 of a grapefruit or softball. It’s a little bigger than that, now, but not much. She acts right perfectly well. Not lame. She runs and trots etc. I have not found any cuts or lacerations. Do you have any suggestions for ways I could get it to drain or do you think that I should get it lanced?

A – I would use the homeopathic remedy, arnica, to help resolve the hematoma. Arnica 30c twice a day for 3 days may work but if not you will need to get a stronger potency. Also, keep your mare quiet in a stall or pen for a week so the bleeding vessel can heal.

Q – What would you suggest for Cushing’s?

A – If it is an early case, you can use Cushing’s Plus. This product was designed to manage symptoms of Cushing’s by increasing blood flow and providing vital nutrition to the affected areas.