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FREE EQUINE Here he reproduces in the form of questions and answers about 100 topics, all of them common problems which afflict horses. To access Topics click on Vet Advice Menu. |
SHE HEADSHAKES
A.This problem is becoming increasingly common and, in my experience, is frequently linked to pollen allergies. The reason we think this is the excellent responses we get from the use of herbs which block the inflammation caused by such sensitivity. Signs may also become a lot worse when horses pass fields of flowering oil-seed rape. However, this does not mean that pollen allergy is definitely the problem in your horse, as vets across the UK have found that other problems, such as specific nerve disease, insect worry and problems with the ears and teeth can also be important causes. Riders also need to be sure that such problems are not related to the way their horses are managed and ridden. Magnesium is vital for your horse's health, and shortages in the body can easily occur. It helps blood vessels operate, stops muscles cramping, prevents inflammation and allows energy to be used more efficiently. Of greater importance to your horse is the way in which magnesium improves the way that muscles and nerves work, and helps with allergies. It is also a great relaxing mineral. Surveys in people suggest that around 70% of the human population may be deficient. I think that deficiency is also a common cause of many types of problems in horses. Deficiency may be a particular problem in wet areas where minerals are leached out of the soil. The body also needs correct levels of calcium and phosphorus to absorb and use magnesium correctly. Therefore, any deficiencies resulting in calcium and phosphorus problems will upset magnesium balance. As for supplementation with magnesium, there are three main options: 1. Use a highly absorbable protein-bound (chelated) form of magnesium. There are few sources of such magnesium in the UK. I usually feed 10g per 100g bodyweight. It is mostly used for calming horses as magnesium is a very good calming agent. 2. Feed specific food and herbs which are rich in magnesium, such as what germ, wheat bran, whole-grain oats and barley (I believe organic is always best). Green leafy vegetables, carrot leaves and dandelions may also be useful. 3. Use herbs which are known to balance the uptake of the most important minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. The Ayurvedic herb Cissus quadrangularis is used to improve magnesium balance. It is used mostly to strengthen bones, but may also be useful to try for your horse. Formulae are fed at a rate of 10g per 100g of bodyweight on a daily basis. Alternatively, if the problem is pollen related, you could try a specific herbal formula. This has helped many horses when given as a food supplement. Also, I have found that nose nets provide relief.
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