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When it comes to providing pain relief for our horses, there are a variety of options available. One of the most common traditional pain relievers is phenylbutazone (bute) which can be purchased through your veterinarian. However, the problem with bute and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications is that they can have negative side effects. Bute is especially harmful to the lining of the stomach and intestines and can lead to ulcers when used too often. 

Fortunately, there are many herbal and natural alternatives to bute that can be used to relieve pain in horses, especially when it comes to chronic pain stemming from arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. 

The following herbs or natural ingredients have all been shown to reduce pain and inflammation related to a variety of equine conditions:

• MSM
• Turmeric
• Devil’s Claw
• Boswellia
• White Willow Bark

You can find the above ingredients sold alone or as part of an herbal blend for a stronger pain-relieving effect in some instances. 

Equine Pain Relief options from The Holistic Horse

The Holistic Horse carries several natural pain-relief products for horses. For example, 

MSM Ultra Pure Powder for Horses is best known for its ability to fight inflammation. Derived from DMSO or dimethylsulfoxide, MSM is an organic sulfur compound naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, as well as fresh forage. 

MSM also naturally occurs within the bodies of all vertebrates, where it helps create methionine, an important amino acid for forming connective tissue, metabolizing foods, and absorbing nutrients. As our horses age, however, sulfur levels in the body decrease. Levels can also drop during times of stress or when consuming a low-nutrient diet. Therefore, supplementing with MSM during these times can be helpful. 

Another pain relief product for horses that we carry is Bjute—Natural Pain Relief for Horses. This product is a complete herbal alternative to bute that provides relief for pain and inflammation but without the harmful side effects. 

Bjute contains the following ingredients:

• Organic Boswellia: (also known as Frankincense) Analgesic, anti inflammatory. Studies conducted show Boswellia’s anti inflammatory properties are as powerful as those found in aspirin and ibuprofen, without the side effects.

• Organic Fenugreek: A favorite flavor of horses! Dissolves mucus, anti inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant. Helps strengthen the respiratory system, mucous membranes and sinus congestion. Soothing to the gastrointestinal system. Aids in reducing blood sugar and supports healthy metabolic function in insulin resistant horses.

• Organic Ginger: Digestive aid. Its properties promote the elimination of intestinal gas and prevent flatulence. Helps relax the gastro intestinal muscles to soothe an upset stomach. A powerful anti inflammatory effective in treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disease.

• Organic Stevia: A natural sweetener, anti bacterial, anti oxidant, promotes proper digestion, contains potassium zinc, magnesium and vitamin B3.

• Organic Turmeric: (The main active substance is curcumin). Anti inflammatory, anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti oxidant, anti viral. Also beneficial for digestive issues, fevers, cleansing, infections, liver problems and arthritis. Studies done comparing Turmeric with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications ( NSAIDS) found that Turmeric was as or more effective in treating inflammatory conditions.

• Organic White Willow Bark: Considered by many to be a “natural aspirin” and nerve sedative without the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Also contains anti inflammatory, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.

If your horse is dealing with a chronic painful condition, check out natural herbs and supplements before automatically reaching for bute! 

Like all animals, dogs and cats are prone to internal parasites. The four most common ones that affect both species include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms, which we’ll discuss more in depth below. 

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in dogs and cats. They are transmitted when the worm eggs develop into larvae and pass in feces. Other animals can become infected by eating contaminated soil, licking contaminated fur or paws, or by drinking contaminated water. The fecal-oral route is more common in dogs than cats however.

Infected female dogs can also pass roundworms to their puppies before birth or after birth during nursing. Cats cannot pass on infection to their kittens before birth, but may do so through nursing. Puppies and kittens are most susceptible to roundworm infection. 

Roundworms live in the small intestine and steal nutrients from food, which can lead to malnutrition and intestinal problems. As the roundworm larvae move through the body, they can also cause respiratory problems such as pneumonia, cough, nasal discharge, and pulmonary edema. 

Severe infection with adult roundworms can cause:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia
• Abdominal fluid 
• Emaciation
• Poor coat

Heavy infections can even cause death in puppies and kittens. 

Hookworms

Hookworms are the second most common intestinal parasites in dogs, but they are less common in cats. Animals can become infected by hookworms when larvae penetrate the skin or the lining of the mouth. An infected female dog can also pass infection on to her puppies through nursing. 

Hookworms are dangerous because they bite into the intestinal lining and suck blood. This can lead to potentially life threatening blood loss, weakness, and malnutrition. Hookworms can also cause severe intestinal damage, even proving fatal, especially in puppies and kittens. 

Whipworms

Whipworms have a whip-like shape, which gives them their name. The larvae are passed in feces and other animals can pick up infection by eating infected soil or licking contaminated fur or paws. 

Similar to hookworms, whipworms attach to the intestines and suck blood; however they are generally less harmful than hookworms. With that said, occasionally severe infections can occur, leading to diarrhea, weight loss, and blood loss. Chronic enteritis can also occur and puppies may have reduced growth rate. 

Cats don’t appear to be as severely affected by whipworms. 

Tapeworms 

Tapeworms get their name because of their thin, flat appearance. Dogs and cats become infected with tapeworms when they eat infected fleas or lice. They can also get certain types of tapeworms by eating infected rodents. 

Tapeworms take up residence in the small intestine, stealing nutrients from food. A tapeworm infection can be diagnosed when the egg sacs (which look like flatted grains of rice) are seen around the anus or in their stools.

Symptoms of tapeworm infection include:

• Failure to grow
• Irritability
• Decreased appetite
• Shaggy coat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Treating Common Parasites in Cats and Dogs Naturally

Fortunately there is a natural way to treat all four common parasites in cats and dogs. Our Wormguard products for cats and dogs are designed to kill parasites mechanically, without the risk of harmful side effects to your pet. They are 100% safe and effective and come in several different formulas for different needs. 

Many people consider horses and cattle to be similar, especially when it comes to feeding them. After all, both eat forage and, often, concentrates. However, if you have both cattle and horses, it’s important to understand that the two species’ digestive process is quite different. Therefore, they both have specific dietary considerations to keep in mind.  

 

The Horse’s Digestive System

Horses are non-ruminant, simple-stomached herbivores, known as “hindgut fermenters”. Their digestive system is much more complex than that of ruminants like cattle. 

Horses need to graze or eat hay for approximately 12-18 hours per day. From the mouth, forage travels down their esophagus, which has one-way peristalsis. This means they cannot regurgitate food. Horses also cannot burp or pass gas through the esophagus.

The horse’s stomach can hold about 4 gallons, which is quite small in relation to their body size when compared to other livestock. Their stomach continually secretes hydrochloric acid and enzymes which help digest food (but which can also pose a problem if the horse goes for too long without food). 

The horse’s hindgut makes up 60% of their total digestive tract. It has three parts: the cecum, colon (large intestine), and rectum. The components of roughage are broken down through microbial fermentation in the cecum, an elongated vat. Volatile fatty acids are created through the fermentation process and then absorbed, providing the horse energy. 

 

The Cow’s Digestive System

Cows are ruminants with a different digestive process than horses. Their stomach has four compartments: the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen is the largest compartment, holding up to 40 gallons in a mature cow. 

Cows eat rapidly, swallowing their feed without chewing it sufficiently. Their esophagus functions in both directions, allowing them to regurgitate food for further chewing known as ruminating or “chewing their cud”. The cud is then swallowed again and passed into the reticulum. The solid portion moves into the rumen for fermentation while most of the liquid portion quickly moves into the reticulum, then the omasum and abomasum. The solid portion left behind in the rumen will stay there for up to 48 hours where microbes can ferment it for energy. 

As cattle digest food, 30-50 quarts of gas are produced per hour in the rumen. They must release this gas by belching. The cow’s rumen contracts and moves on a continual basis. Each contraction aids with the digestive process. 

Cattle also have a cecum at the beginning of the large intestine; however it serves little function for ruminants, unlike with horses. 

 

Key Differences Between Horse and Cow Digestion

Several key differences exist between the digestive systems of horses and cattle: 

• Because the horse’s stomach is relatively small, they need small, continuous meals throughout the day. Cattle, on the other hand, don’t need to eat continuously. They spend about 1/3 of the day grazing, 1/3 of the day ruminating, and slightly less than 1/3 of the day doing neither.

• Moldy hay is more likely to cause problems for horses than cattle.

• Since the equine digestive system doesn’t have substantial muscular contractions, like that of cattle, they need plenty of water to keep things moving. 

• Horses can move a large volume of feed through their digestive system more quickly than a cow; therefore they are more likely to be “easy keepers” than ruminants. 

 

Probiotics for Horses and Cows

Though horse and cattle digestion differs in several important ways, both species can benefit from probiotic supplementation to help keep their digestive systems functioning smoothly. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to keep harmful bacteria in check, make B vitamins, and support the immune system. 

We recommend: 

• ProGuard Probiotics for Cows
• ProGuard Probiotics for Horses

Internal parasites affect all horses, but the key is to maintain a healthy level of them. Unfortunately, after years of overuse of chemical dewormers, many parasites have become resistant to the very chemicals that were developed to combat them. 

This has led to new deworming strategies along with the popularity of fecal egg counts, which can help identify the approximate number of parasites, as well as the type of parasites affecting your horse. 

Anthelmintic Resistance

The traditional approach to deworming involved rotating through the different classes chemical dewormers every few months. The problem is that this practice was developed over 40 years ago when the main threat to horses was the large strongyle bloodworm (Strongylus vulgaris). 

While rotational deworming was effective in controlling large stronglyles, two new worms have since taken over as the largest threat to our horses: small strongyles (cyathostomins) in adult horses and ascarids (parascaris equorum) in horses under the age of three.

Fecal Egg Counts (FECs)

Fecal egg counts involve taking a count of parasite eggs from a sample of your horse’s manure. While not completely foolproof, FECs are a useful tool in determining if your horse needs to be dewormed.

It’s generally recommended that FECs be performed at least twice per year in the early spring and late fall, but doing them more frequently can be helpful too. In large herds where individual FECs may be impractical, an alternative is to take random samples within a group of horses housed together and then evaluate and treat the group as a whole.

FECs can also be used after a dewormer is given or if your horse is on a long-term natural dewormer in order to monitor the product’s effectiveness. In this case, they are known as Fecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRT). If the egg count has not significantly decreased (by at least 90%) after fourteen days, then another type dewormer is likely needed.

McMasters Test

Most veterinarians offer fecal egg counts tests if you bring either your horse or the sample in to them. However, we recommend using Idexx Laboratories McMasters fecal test. This is a quantitative test which can assess the eggs per gram (EPG), making it easier to monitor your horse’s parasite load over time. An EPG of less than 100 is considered low. A count between 100-500 is moderate, and anything above 500 is considered high. We consider 200 EPG or less to be acceptable. 

FECs can help guide your parasite control program, but it’s also important to keep in mind that no horse is or will ever be 100% parasite-free. Taking environmental measures, such as picking up manure from pastures, harrowing (in dry, sunny climates), and implementing pasture rotation can also go a long ways in preventing further infection. 

Natural Parasite Control

Along with using FECs, we recommend using one of our all-natural dewormers such as:

• WormGuard Plus SC
• Omni WormGuard Plus
• Omni WormGuard Plus for Seniors
• DiaGuard for Horses

These products work mechanically to kill parasites and, unlike with chemical dewormers, parasites cannot become resistant to them. They are safe and effective, as many of our customers have verified by using FECs. 

Like us, horses can experience a myriad of skin conditions, ranging from harmless cosmetic issues to something more problematic and uncomfortable. Because the skin is the first line of defense against outside pathogens, it can be prone to parasites, bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. As the largest bodily organ, the skin is also where allergic reactions can show up. 

The following are a few common skin conditions that can affect horses:

Rainrot/Rain Scald

This bacterial infection presents as raised bumps covered in scabby crusts. The hair around the lesions will also be matted. Over time, the crust will peel off, leaving a bare, round spot. Rainrot develops on parts of the horse’s body that stay chronically damp due to wet weather or  grass. This would include the topline, shoulders, hindquarters and possibly the lower legs or face. Rainrot is more common in elderly, malnourished, or ill horses.

Ringworm

This fungal infection can be caused by several different organisms. On horses, it appears as round, hairless patches with crusty skin. Ringworm most commonly appears on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, or beneath the saddle or girth area. The area can be sore or itchy, but ringworm does not pose a serious problem. 

Since ringworm can spread from horse to horse, disinfect all shared tack and equipment to avoid spreading the fungal infection. 

Mange

A parasitic infection caused by mites, mange condition will first appear as round bumps. This is  followed by bald spots with scaly, thickened skin. It is most common on the lower legs of draft horses with heavy feathering, though any horse can be affected. In serious cases, horses will rub or bite at the area, possibly leading to secondary infections. If this occurs, antibiotics may be needed. Mites can also be passed from horse to horse, so isolate any affected horses until the problem has been resolved. It’s also a good idea to treat all horses that have been in contact with the affected horse as they may be affected but not showing symptoms. 

Sweet Itch

Insect bite hypersensitivity, also known as sweet itch, is caused by an allergic reaction to the Culicoides insect (sometimes called midges). Sweet itch causes severe itching, skin lesions, and hair loss often at the base of the mane or tail, the horse’s sides, belly, legs, or head. This condition is seasonal, appearing around late spring or summer and usually lasting through early fall. Horses may aggressively scratch themselves which can cause damage to the skin and possibly secondary infections. 

Treating Equine Skin Conditions Naturally

ParaSpray is an organic formula that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions in horses and other animals. Blended from natural plant extracts, ParaSpray can help eliminate mange, external parasites, bacterial infections affecting the skin, ring worm, and other skin conditions.

Another way to help keep the skin and hair coat healthy is to feed Organic Ground Flaxseed which is a great source of Omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Flaxseed is a natural anti-inflammatory and is often helpful with allergic conditions such as sweet itch. 

When you think of canine health, you may not automatically consider herbs as part of their wellness program. Yes, dogs are carnivores, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from ingesting certain plants. In fact, there are a number of herbs that can be beneficial for our canine friends. 

The following herbs can all be fed safely (in small amounts) to your dog:

Peppermint

Peppermint is known for helping with digestive upset such as nausea and gas. However, keep in mind that you will want to feed the plant, itself, and not peppermint candy or products that contain xylitol or pennyroyal oil. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. 

Parsley

Parsley is another healthy herb for dogs. Full of flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins, parsley is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and can help protect against urinary tract infections and kidney stones. 

Cinnamon

This spice is known for helping to regulate blood sugar and for lowering insulin resistance. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory effects, protects against heart disease, and contains anti-oxidant properties. If feeding cinnamon, only add a teaspoon or less however; large amounts can irritate the mouth or stomach or may even cause low blood sugar or liver disease. 

Basil

Basil has antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties which have been known to help reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes in people. Basil may also help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs with osteoarthritis. 

Cilantro (Coriander)

This herb can help with digestive issues, alleviating problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and gas. It’s also a natural detoxifier. Cilantro is rich in vitamin A, C, potassium, zinc, and other essential minerals. However, avoid giving this herb to pregnant dogs as it may stimulate contractions.

Ginger

Ginger is another herb that can help with nausea and reduce gastrointestinal issues. This herb also contains many antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar. Additionally, ginger is anti-inflammatory and may help with symptoms of arthritis. 

Turmeric

Turmeric can also be healthy for dogs if given in small amounts. This spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and can be beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, turmeric has anti-cancer properties and can be helpful in both preventing and treating this disease. 

Icelandic Kelp

Icelandic kelp contains several amino acids, trace elements, and minerals, as well as many vitamins. It can help support a healthy immune system, better digestion, as well as relief from skin and coat disorders and allergic reactions. Icelandic kelp is also a rich source of iodine, which helps with adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary gland function. 

Cranberry Powder

Cranberries have anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties and can help support a healthy urinary tract and immune system. Cranberry powder can aid in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, as well as cancer prevention. 

 

When adding any of the above herbs to your dog’s diet, start with a very small amount and sprinkle it over their food. Then you can gradually increase the amount to the desired dose over time. The above herbs can be fed for specific conditions or added into the diet on occasion. If you have concerns about feeding any herb to your dog, always consult with your veterinarian.  

Most of us know that parasites are a common problem in livestock and something we’ll have to contend with on a regular basis. However, the goal isn’t to necessarily rid all parasites from our animals, but to keep their numbers in check so that they don’t adversely affect overall health. 

Here, we’ll list some of the most common internal parasites seen in livestock as well as the problems they can cause if your animal becomes overburdened with them. 

Horses

Large red worms (Strongyles): This parasite is dangerous because it can eat through the gut wall and travel through blood vessels, causing internal bleeding and damage. Strongyles can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and impaction colic. 

Small Redworms (Cyathostomes): The larvae hibernate in the gut wall during the winter and emerge in large numbers as adults in the spring. This can cause severe damage to the intestines, weight loss, diarrhea, and colic.

Roundworms (Ascarids): This large worm is especially dangerous to foals and young horses. The larvae move through the gut wall to the liver and then to the lungs. They are then coughed up and swallowed where they mature to egg laying adults inside the gut. Roundworms can cough, nasal discharge, weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and diarrhea. 

Pinworms (Oxyuris): This worm can damage the bowel before laying eggs around the outside of the anus, causing intense itching and irritation.

Threadworms: Threadworms don’t tend to negatively impact adult horses, but transfer to newborn foals through the mare’s milk. This can lead to weakness, diarrhea, and slow growth rate, and anemia.

Tapeworms (Cestodes): This worm can grow up to 8 cm in length, with a width of 1.5 cm. Tapeworms cluster together at the junction between the small and large intestine and can cause digestive problems, poor body condition, and colic, which can be fatal. 

Bots (Gastrophilus): Bot flies lay their eggs on the horse’s hair coat, where they are later ingested when the horse grooms itself. The eggs hatch in the horse’s mouth and migrate to the stomach. If left untreated, bots can cause inflammation in the mouth and throat, as well as ulceration in the stomach. 

 

Cattle

Brown stomach worm (Ostertagia): This worm can affect calves and mature cattle, leading to reduced weight gain and growth rate, reduced reproductive health, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and a general dull appearance. 

Lungworm (Dictyocaulus): Lungworms can cause occasional coughing to severe respiratory distress. High infestation can lead to reduced milk production, reduced fertility, and potentially death. 

 

Sheep & Goats

Lungworms (Dictyocaulus spp. or Muellerius capillaris): Lungworms can also affect sheep and goats, causing coughing, respiratory problems, and reduced weight gain. 

Stomach worms (Haemonchus contortus): One of the most common parasites in sheep and goats, signs of stomach worms include weight loss, poor wool growth, reduced milk production, diarrhea, anemia, and possibly death. Swelling in the lower jaw (“bottle jaw”) is also common. 

Liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica): This parasite can cause jaundice, loss of appetite, ill thrift, sub-mandibular edema (“bottle jaw”), anemia, and possibly death (most commonly in sheep). Symptoms often develop slowly. 

 

Wormguard for multi-species

The best treatment for internal parasites is prevention. Rotational grazing to avoid constant re-exposure and maintaining low stocking density are both important. Likewise, feeding WormGuard for all of the above species can prevent high parasite burdens. This is a completely all natural wormer that is 100% safe and effective against intestinal parasites. It kills parasites by using a mechanical method, not chemical.