Eksperckie porady dotyczące zdrowia i dobrostanu koni

As a horse owner, you naturally want the best for your loyal four-legged friend. A natural herb gaining increasing attention in the equine world is milk thistle. But what exactly is milk thistle and how can it support your horse's health? In this blog, we delve deeper into the benefits of milk thistle for horses. Interestingly, horses in nature often seek out milk thistle in the meadow. This instinctive behavior suggests that horses recognize the healing properties of this plant. What is Milk Thistle? Milk thistle is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support liver and digestion in horses and ponies. The main active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a powerful antioxidant with many health-promoting properties. Benefits of Milk Thistle for Horses 1. Liver Support Milk thistle is known as 'the liver herb par excellence'. Over the past 10 years, more than 12,000 scientific publications have appeared about milk thistle and its health benefits. Milk thistle helps protect and restore the liver, which is crucial for the overall health of your horse. A healthy liver in your horse ensures:• Better detoxification of the body• Support of the immune system• Improved digestion and metabolism 2. Anti-inflammatory Effects Research has shown that milk thistle has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce inflammation in your horse's body, contributing to better overall health. But how does this work exactly? Milk thistle influences various inflammatory processes in the body: NF-kB inhibition: Milk thistle inhibits the activity of NF-kB, a protein that plays a central role in inflammation. TNF suppression: It reduces the production of TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor), a substance that can cause inflammation. Inhibition of leukotrienes: Milk thistle inhibits the formation of leukotrienes, substances involved in inflammatory reactions. Reduction of pro-inflammatory substances: It helps lower substances such as interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2, which can exacerbate inflammation. By influencing these processes, milk thistle can contribute to reducing inflammation throughout your horse's body, from the digestive organs to the joints. 3. Antioxidant Effects Milk thistle is packed with antioxidants. But what are antioxidants exactly? Simply explained: Think of antioxidants as small protectors in your horse's body. They fight against 'free radicals', which you can see as troublemakers. These free radicals can cause damage in your horse's body. Antioxidants neutralize these troublemakers. Why are antioxidants good for your horse? They keep the cells in the body healthy. They help your horse recover better after exercise. They support the immune system. They can help your horse stay fit longer. 4. Support of Energy Metabolism Recent research in sport horses has shown that feeding milk thistle seed improves energy metabolism. Horses given milk thistle had lower cortisol levels (= stress hormone). This can lead to better performance and faster recovery after exertion. In addition, horses given milk thistle had lower levels of NEFAs (free fatty acids) in their blood. This suggests that these horses use their energy more efficiently, which can result in better endurance during intensive training or competitions. How to Use Milk Thistle? Milk thistle can be added to your horse's diet in various ways: As a supplement in powder form or extract In the form of seed cakes mixed with feed Fresh or dried as an herb Yes, you can also give milk thistle fresh or dried to your horse. In nature, horses sometimes eat milk thistle on their own, suggesting that they can digest the plant well in its natural form. Fresh milk thistle can be added to daily feed, while dried milk thistle can be mixed with hay or other dry food. The advantage of fresh or dried milk thistle is that it offers the plant in its most natural form. However, it's important to make sure that the plant is not contaminated with pesticides or other harmful substances if you collect it in the wild. When in doubt, it's safer to opt for commercially available milk thistle. If you're unsure about the right form or dosage, you can always choose a controlled milk thistle supplement like Curafyt's Detox & Drain. Our supplements contain a standardized amount of active ingredients and have a clearly indicated dosage. It's a great way to get the right ingredients into your horse's diet and give you peace of mind. You can find more details about Detox & Drain by clicking the link below. Regardless of the form in which you give milk thistle, it's important to use the correct dosage. Always consult your veterinarian before starting to give milk thistle to your horse. Conclusion Milk thistle is a plant with numerous health benefits for your horse or pony. From liver support to anti-inflammation and improved energy metabolism, this natural herb can be a valuable addition to your horse's diet. If you're considering using milk thistle, consult your veterinarian first for personal advice. By supporting your horse's health with natural remedies like milk thistle, you can contribute to a long and vital life for your loyal four-legged friend. Scientific References Hackett, E. S., Twedt, D. C. & Gustafson, D. L. Milk Thistle and Its Derivative Compounds: A Review of Opportunities for Treatment of Liver Disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 27 10--16 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12002 (2013). Delmas, D., Xiao, J., Vejux, A. & Aires, V. Silymarin and cancer: A dual strategy in both in chemoprevention and chemosensitivity. Molecules vol. 25 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092009 (2020). Dockalova, H., Zeman, L. & Horky, P. Influence of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed cakes on biochemical values of equine plasma subjected to physical exertion. Animals 11, 1--16 (2021).

The Dangers of St. Jacob's Ragwort and How to Remove It from Horse Fields Ragwort might look harmless with its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, but don’t be fooled! This plant is highly toxic to horses and ponies. It’s crucial to understand the dangers of this plant and know how to protect your horses. In this blog, you’ll learn how to recognize, understand the risks, and remove this toxic and dangerous plant. How to Recognize Ragwort? Key characteristics include the distinct rosettes when the plants are not yet in bloom, and the purple-stemmed stalks on which the flowers grow. The flowers are bright yellow and resemble daisies. It spreads quickly and can take over entire fields. This plant grows from the second half of June until October and begins flowering from July. Typically, it is a biennial plant. The Dangers Of Ragwort For Horses Even small, repeated amounts of ragwort are toxic to horses. Eating ragwort can lead to severe liver damage. One of the biggest dangers of ragwort for horses is that it remains toxic even in dried form. This means that hay can become contaminated, causing your horse to ingest it unknowingly. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect your pasture before harvesting hay. For a 500 kg horse, ingesting just 5 kg of dried ragwort is already toxic. In its fresh state, horses would need to consume four times as much to reach the same level of toxicity. Ragwort poisoning is often only recognized when it’s too late. This weed causes significant liver damage in horses, and once symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible. The disease manifests in various symptoms in your horse or pony, such as: Loss of appetite and increased thirst Straining, sometimes followed by watery diarrhea Unexpected sunburn Abdominal bloating due to fluid retention, sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath In later stages, the damage can even affect the brain, leading to lethargy, restlessness, or even paralysis. If you’re unsure about symptoms in your horse, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Better safe than sorry! How to Control Ragwort Manual Removal Pull the plants out by the root before they flower. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact! Remove the plants by burning them or sealing them in bags, not by composting. Manual removal is preferred as it avoids the use of chemicals, ensuring the health and safety of your horses and preserving the natural balance of the pasture. Pasture Management Regularly inspect fields for ragwort. Maintain a densely grown pasture to outcompete weed growth. Biological Control Consider introducing natural enemies like the larvae of the cinnabar moth as part of an integrated strategy. Ragwort is the primary food source for the zebra caterpillar, the larva of the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). These moth larvae are adapted to eating ragwort and are not susceptible to poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).  Chemical Control Use selective herbicides during the rosette stage. Follow professional advice and manufacturer’s instructions. Additional Support for Your Horse’s Liver Health During July and August, when ragwort is widespread, it is beneficial to support your horses' liver health with supplements such as Curafyt’s Detox&Drain, which contains milk thistle and MSM. Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that protects liver cells and promotes regeneration. However, a supplement can never replace good pasture management or medication if liver damage is already present.  By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can protect your horses' health from the dangers of ragwort. Ensure your pastures are free from this toxic plant and support your horses' liver health with the right supplements. Your horses will thank you!

Introduction Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common condition in horses that involves the gradual deterioration of cartilage within the joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility, significantly affecting a horse's performance and quality of life. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and exploring available treatments are crucial steps in managing this chronic condition and ensuring the well-being of affected horses. What is osteoarthritis in horses? A joint is a place where two bones are joined together in the body in a way that enables them to bend and move. The ligaments and joint capsule give the two bones extra stability while cartilage covers and protects the bone ends. For your horse’s ease of movement, the joint space is filled with synovial fluid. In sum, a joint is made up of different structures that are closely interlinked. If one part of the joint is out of sync, you soon end up with a domino effect impairing the functioning of the other parts. Arthritis in horses is a general inflammation of the joint. If the cartilage around the joint is also damaged, the condition is classified as osteoarthrosis. In that case, the entire joint comes under pressure, causing pain and lameness.  Causes of osteoarthritis in horses? While osteoarthritis in horses can have many causes, some horses and ponies are simply more prone to joint problems than others. Older horses, sport horses, horses that are overweight or had joint surgery before are particularly prone to this degenerative joint disease. The condition of osteoarthritis has two main causes:  1. Abnormal pressure on normal cartilage Your horse’s joint cartilage is perfectly healthy but is being damaged by excess pressure. Causes that spring to mind are intensive training, excessive strain, a fracture, abnormal posture… 2. Normal pressure on abnormal cartilage The pressure on the joint isn’t abnormally high but the joint isn’t as healthy as it should be. That combination leads to further degeneration, like OCD for instance, a condition characterised by loose cartilage and/or bone fragments in the joint. How to spot osteoarthritis in your horse? 1. Your horse has become less flexible Osteoarthritis doesn’t usually start with obvious lameness but with a stiff and rigid gait. Your horse is slow to get going and seems less flexible when being ridden. In the case of osteoarthritis of the neck, he will find it difficult to stretch or flex his neck. Typical symptom of osteoarthritis: after a ten-minute warm-up your equine friend will gradually move less rigidly. Movement warms up the muscles, tendons and joints and soon gets him moving more freely. 2. Your horse has problems rolling and getting up Is your horse rolling less frequently and is he struggling to get up? This can be caused by a lack of flexibility in his vertebral column, with osteoarthritis as the primary cause. 3. Your horse is acting up while being ridden When making certain movements, like jumping and landing, your horse’s cartilage is put under great strain. Worn cartilage absorbs shocks less well and this can be extremely painful for your horse. 4. Your horse is lame Osteoarthritis causes a stabbing pain when making certain movements. So, your horse can be pretty lame, which is especially noticeable when performing a volte and straight line. Another obvious sign of lameness: when your horse’s head nods with every move. This will be most obvious while trotting. 5. Your horse is irritable and moody If your horse is in pain, he can be irritable and moody (face it, how would you be yourself?). He will be less tolerant of people and other horses, will pin his ears back, swish his tail and bite or kick. 6. Your horse has trouble chewing If your equine friend drops food  out of his mouth, chews at a slant or on one side only, his jaw joint is probably sore - with osteoarthritis at the root. Mind: these signs can also be a symptom of general dental problems. Do the above symptoms sound familiar? In that case, your horse is more than likely suffering from osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, there is no cure but luckily it can be treated. What’s more, the sooner you take action, the better you will be able to help your horse. Time for a visit to the vet in other words! We wish you every success! How to treat your horse with osteoarthritis?  1. "Establish the correct diagnosis in case of doubt about osteoarthritis." Do you suspect that your horse might be suffering from osteoarthritis? Don’t go it alone but contact your vet and have your horse examined, just to make sure. 2. Treat the inflammation It is essential to get the pain and the inflammation of the joint under control as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the cartilage. The vet will inject anti-inflammatories in the joint or put him on an anti-inflammatory diet. 3. Ensure your horse gets exercise Exercise  is the one way to lubricate your horse’s joints! Start with daily hand-walks and build up gradually. Don’t even think about riding him until your vet and your horse give you the go-ahead.In some horses, the osteoarthritis is so far advanced that riding them is no longer an option. 4. Organise physiotherapy and osteopathy These therapies not only help to keep your horse’s muscles and ligaments flexible but will also alleviate the pain 5. Maintain a healthy body weight Horses that are overweight put excessive strain on their joints. Ensure a diet that suits your horse to prevent osteoarthritis. 6. Look after your horse’s hooves Properly trimmed hooves are instrumental in ensuring that the load on the joints is evenly distributed to prevent osteoarthritis.  7. Provide a peaceful environment It is important to let your horse choose when he wants to go for a walk. So, regularly let him out into the paddock. Choose a peaceful environment where he is not being chased by other horses.

When your horse has laminitis, he or she suffers from a painful inflammation of the tissue between the hoof wall and the coffin bone. The disease can be life-threatening for your four-legged friend—so quick intervention is a must. This is how you help a horse with laminitis.

Laminitis is a painful condition of the hooves in horses and ponies that requires urgent treatment. In other words, a rather serious matter. This is how you recognise a horse with laminitis.

How to treat your horse with osteoarthritis 1. Make the right diagnosis Do you suspect that your horse might be suffering from osteoarthritis? Don’t go it alone but contact your vet and have your horse examined, just to make sure. 2. Treat the inflammation It is essential to get the pain and the inflammation of the joint under control as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the cartilage. The vet will inject anti-inflammatories in the joint or put him on an anti-inflammatory diet.Keen to go the extra mile? Give him natural joint supplements. 3. Ensure your horse gets exercise Exercise is the one way to lubricate your horse’s joints! Start with daily hand-walks and build up gradually. Don’t even think about riding him until your vet and your horse give you the go-ahead.In some horses, the osteoarthritis is so far advanced that riding them is no longer an option. 4. Organise physiotherapy and osteopathy These therapies not only help to keep your horse’s muscles and ligaments flexible but will also alleviate the pain. 5. Maintain a healthy body weight Horses that are overweight put excessive strain on their joints. 6. Look after your horse’s hooves Properly trimmed hooves are instrumental in ensuring that the load on the joints is evenly distributed. 7. Provide a peaceful environment It is important to let your horse choose when he wants to go for a walk. So, regularly let him out into the paddock. Choose a peaceful environment where he is not being chased by other horses.

As far as we are concerned, there is nothing cuter than a newborn foal. Little wonder so that you can’t wait to see one frolicking through the meadow. One problem: you can’t seem to get your mare in foal. Infertility is a complex and frustrating problem - for you, your vet, and your horse. Your mare’s inability to conceive can have several causes. For your convenience, we list the most important here. 1. The ovum isn’t fertilised That can be due to the mare or the stallion. The mare’s egg cell may be of poor quality, perhaps no egg cell was released during ovulation, or the timing of the insemination may have been off. Mares have a seasonal cycle and are at their most fertile between May and September. This is when the chance of successful ovulation is the greatest. Incidentally, the older your mare, the poorer the quality of her egg cells. Another possibility is that the quality of the stallion’s semen wasn’t good enough to fertilise the egg cell. Fresh semen tends to be better than chilled or frozen semen. Furthermore, the quality will very much vary from stallion to stallion. 2. The fertilised egg cell does not implant itself in the uterus This is usually due to the health of your mare’s endometrium (or to give it its full title: the inner epithelial layer along with its mucous membrane). As it happens, the endometrium produces a type of milk that feeds the fertilised egg cell (1). 2.1. Disorders of the endometrium are an important cause of infertility in mares. The most common ones: Fibrosis (endometriosis) Damaged blood vessels Inflammation (endometritis) Breakdown of the endometrial glands Did you know that 64 % of all clinically healthy mares have some degree of fibrosis (endometriosis) in the uterus? This condition reduces the chances of egg cell implantation. The older the mare, the more serious the fibrosis (2,3). 2.2. Also, inferior anatomy of the reproductive system can affect the health of the uterus. English Thoroughbreds have a greater chance of air getting sucked into the uterus because of the unfortunate position of the vagina and vulva. Saddlebreds, on the other hand, tend to suffer from fungal infections, because of an abnormal cervix (4). 3. The embryo dies after implantation If the embryo dies during the first two months of gestation, we speak of early embryonic death. This occurs in four to twenty percent of all mares.If the embryo dies after more than forty days, we speak of abortion. This occurs in seven to eight per cent of embryos. The most common (infectious) cause of abortion is rhinopneumonitis, caused by the equine herpes virus (EHV-1 and 4). So, make sure to vaccinate your mare against this menace, prior to and during gestation. If your mare seems unable to get in foal, it’s time to visit your vet so that he or she can examine your mare and establish the cause of the problem. There are also a number of things you can do to give your infertile mare a helping hand. Success and may you be welcoming your very own foal before long!

Infertility in mares is a frustrating and complex problem, one with quite a few possible causes. Can’t manage to get your mare in foal? Then it is time to visit the vet so that he or she can get to the root of and solve the problem. Examination for infertility involve a number of important matters.

Colic is a common problem in horses that can range from mild abdominal pain to a life-threatening condition. Recognizing colic symptoms is crucial for timely treatment of this condition.

Studies have shown that nearly 70% of sport horses have gastric ulcers [1]. Gastric ulcers are highly painful and can lead to decreased performance, reduced appetite, colic, and other health issues. Read on to learn how gastric ulcers can develop, how to recognize them, and what you can do to prevent them.

You are what you eat. And that goes for horses too. If your horse is too skinny, chances are that his diet is not up to scratch. Given that extreme weight loss can be life-threatening for your four-legged friend, it is essential that you act fast. In this blog we explain how you can help an underweight horse to recover.

Did you know that almost 16 % of older horses are too skinny? The same applies to 6 % of adult horses. As extreme weight loss can be life-threatening for your four-legged friend, it is important to intervene in good time— but to do just that, you need to find out why your horse or pony is too skinny first. Often that can be difficult to establish, which is why we list the main causes of weight loss in horses here.

Laminitis is a painful condition of the hooves in horses and ponies that requires urgent treatment. In other words, a rather serious matter. Because it is better to prevent than to cure, we have listed a few causes of laminitis below. Spoiler alert: there’s quite a few of them.

There is nothing more adorable than a newborn foal - though it may take some searching before you get to that point. Infertility is a frustrating and complex problem, one with quite a few possible causes. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to give your mare (and her future foal) a helping hand.

In a horses and ponies with laminitis, the layers of tissue between the hoof wall and the coffin bone are inflamed. The affliction is very painful for your horse or pony and, in the worst case, can be life-threatening. In other words, no picnic. Hence, it is better to prevent than to cure — and this is how.