Homeopathic Remedies for Equine Cushing's

Equine Cushing's is a complex, degenerative disease caused by a dysfunction of the pituitary gland. In horses, the gland becomes overactive, producing hormones in excess and manifesting itself in a variety of symptoms. Cushing's affects all breeds of horses, and is common in ponies aged 20 to 25 years. Homeopathic remedies can effectively treat the disease if diagnosed early. A holistic approach can provide relief and improve the ailing horse's quality of life.

  1. Symptoms

    • Horses with Equine Cushing's can display a range of symptoms according to the stage of the disease. Hirstutism, or the growth of a long, curly coat that doesn't shed, is a classic Cushing's syndrome symptom. Laminitis, a swelling of the laminae of the foot, is another common and sometimes fatal complication. Weight fluctuations, diabetes, intestinal parasites, colic, infertility, dental problems, lethargy, excessive sweating and sinusitis are among the other signs of this disease.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Homeopathic treatments are administered to horses with Cushing's in low doses over a long period by a vet, who can closely monitor the animal. Consult your vet about homeopathic pituitary and cortisone treatments to restore balance to the pituitary gland. Other remedies, such as homeopathic formic acid and thallium acetas, effectively renew the horse's health and hair.

    Natural Treatments

    • Natural supplements and herbal medicines used in conjunction with homeopathic remedies can quicken the restorative treatment process. Chasteberry is proven to balance the hormones in equine Cushing's disease. Grind the berries to a powder in a coffee grinder and sprinkle one teaspoon over the horse's feed twice a day. Administer other herbs and natural supplements such as kelp, cayenne, slippery elm bark, nettle, rosehips, wormwood, co-enzyme Q10, burdock, vitamin E, fish oil, milk thistle, garlic, clover and apple cider vinegar in tincture form. Consult your veterinarian before treating the horse with these natural medicines and closely monitor your horse.

    Nutritional Therapy

    • In addition to using medicines, take into consideration the horse's specific nutritional requirements based on the manifestation of the disease. For instance, horses suffering from Cushing's-based laminitis should be fed a high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet. Horses with weight loss problems need high protein and fat levels and should be fed a senior diet. Make nutritional therapy an important part of treatment plan by customizing an appropriate feeding plan for your horse.