Marina Is all but cured. All signs of that horrible coat are gone her hooves are completely normal now and she is starting to gain weight. She still needs to gain a bit more weight but considering where we were 3 months ago with her I am over the moon with her results.
Marina has 3 weeks on herbs and 1 week off so as to prevent her bulding up an immunity to them.
From what I have been able to find Cushings Disease is NOT HEREDITERY so all going well we plan to put her in foal this season for a 2009 foal.
Marina's herbs arrived on 26 November and she has started on them. The Vet came out the other week to do blood levels but I haven't heard back yet what they were. He has told me that Marina is in a fairly advanced stage of the disease and he doubts medication will help her much. He doesn't believe the herbs will help much. I told him I would still give it a go.
Marina's appetite was vertually non existant she was barely able to eat 1 scoop of lucerne chaff and one scoop of gumnuts with her herbs mixed in. It would take over 4 hours for her to finish that small amount.
After 3 days Marina seemed a bit more cheerful and that horrible coat had started to shed. Just gave her a brush and more of it is coming out in great chunks, although she is still very poor. She has been wandering around upsetting the stallions when she walks past their yards so I am guessing she is starting to cycle.
YA So far so good it seems to be working
Pic of Marina taken when she started treatment
First of all I need to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Katrina O'Brien of FALLSVIEW HORSE HERBS. She has been a fantastic source of information and help in choosing the right herbs and doses for Marina.
Below is a list of what we will be starting Marina's treatment off on. The number of herbs will lessen this huge list is just to kick her off quickly because her disease is so advanced.
BOTANICAL NAME
COMMON NAME
PROPERTIES AND USES
Astragalus membranaceous
Chinese Astragalus, Huang Qi.
Astragalus membranaceous(Huang Qi) is an herb which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many centuries as a revitalizing tonic. Astragalus is known as an adaptogen and helps to restore balance to the adrenal glands. It is a very useful protector of adrenal cortical function and is important for the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Recent research confirms the positive effect of Astragalus on immune functioning and its ability to help your pet fight against illness and disease.
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea
ECHINACEA - Echinacea purpurea - Commercially grown organically in Australia, overseas this species has been threatened in the wild. The leaves and flowers are used herbally, and this herb has a delightful aroma, which is also a good gauge of freshness. A number of constituents in the plant stimulate the immune system to counter bacterial and viral infections. One of these constituents inhibits the ability of viruses to enter and take over cells while another constituent has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Very useful in treating viral infections present and also post, eg Ross River Fever. Colds, flu, respiratory and skin conditions all benefit from echinacea.
NOTE: Feed only in three week intervals over a 12 week period. Giving a two week break will help ensure the body does not build a resistance to Echinacea
Trifolium pratense
Red Clover
RED CLOVER – Trifolium pratense – The flowerheads are used. Very high in cobalt and copper. Red Clover contains a volatile oil and has oestrogenic effects, helping to reduce the impact of falling oestrogen levels. Also can be used in treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, usually in combination with other purifying herbs such as yellow dock and burdock.
Silybum marianum
milk thistle, St Mary Thistle
St. Mary’s Thistle (Silybum marianum/Carduus marianus) Also known as Milk Thistle, for its reputed ability to promote breast milk production, St. Mary’s Thistle (SMT) has been used in herbal medicine for a couple of thousand years. Substantial research has confirmed the traditional knowledge that SMT seeds have a remarkable protective and restorative effect on the liver – that amazingly complex organ whose metabolic processes largely bear the burden of the body’s detoxification work.
Much of the therapeutic benefit of SMT seeds is attributed to a group of potent antioxidant bioflavonoids, known together as silymarin, which are able to guard and stabilise cell membranes, preventing the invasion of toxins, as well as enhance the regeneration of liver cells already damaged by detoxification processes.
St. Mary’s Thistle can assist both the healthy or sick liver in its constant encounters with environmental toxins. It is particularly applicable for horses who have suffered liver damage from poisons, infections, high worm burdens, reactions to worming drugs, or ongoing/excessive pharmaceutical drug use. SMT can be taken long term, and indeed needs be taken for a prolonged period (at least 4-12 weeks) to be of most benefit. For horses, St. Mary’s Thistle seeds can be fed whole or they can be ground up to aid in their digestion.
ACTIONS include: liver tonic – protective and stimulant; cholagogue (promoting bile flow); increasing breast milk production; antidepressant.
Taraxacum officinalis
Dandelion
(ROOT)
DANDELION ROOT - Dandelion Root is helpful for horses recovering from an illness or a reaction to vaccination. Being a tonic, this herb assists to clean the liver, kidneys and blood and is high in potassium and magnesium
Vitex agnes-castus
Chastetree Berry, Monks Pepper
CHASTE TREE BERRY - Vitex agnes castus - This herb is primarily used to balance hormonal irregularities in mares, but can inhibit the sex hormones of stallions if their behaviour is thought dangerous or seen to be causing them a loss in condition. Useful on its own or in combination with herbs specific for hormonal balance. Excellent as a treatment for Cushings Diesease
Rosa canina
Rosehips (Granules)
Rosehips (Rosa canina) The hips (fruit) of the dog rose are a source of readily assimilated forms of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including – vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3 and K, bioflavonoids (including rutin), carotenoids, tannins, calcium, magnesium, silica, phosphorous and copper.
As well as being considered a dietary supplement, rosehips are often fed to horses recuperating from illness or injury as they help to restore the immune system and aid tissue repair. Feeding them as part of the daily diet is beneficial for preventing illness. The vitamin C in rosehips acts as a natural antihistamine, which can assist the allergy-prone horse. Bioflavonoids, as well as having potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, enhance vitamin C’s ability to strengthen blood vessel walls, and this effect contributes to rosehips’ reputation for encouraging healthy hoof growth. Rosehips can also help alleviate gastric inflammation and diarrhoea.
Nettles
i forget what this was for so i will add this one in later.
