Non-Sweating Cures for Equines

Anhidrosis, sometimes spelled anhydrosis, is a condition that affects the way a horse sweats. Horses can be rendered partially or totally unable to sweat by this condition and it can lead to serious health problems, including heat stress.

Though there is not an official cure for anhidrosis, a variety of treatments have been suggested and tried over the years with varying degrees of success. The goal with anhidrosis treatments is to successfully maintain the condition and keep the afflicted horse as healthy as possible.

  1. Physical Treatments

    • Anhidrosis is most common in horses in the hot and humid climate of the southeast section of the United States. Horses suffering from severe anhidrosis can benefit from a move to a cooler climate.

      Since moving the horse is probably not a realistic option, owners of horses afflicted with anhidrosis should keep the animals in the shade with as much moving air as possible. Using misting fans and spraying horses with water can provide some degree of relief during the hottest months of the year.

    One AC

    • One AC is a dietary supplement created specifically to treat anhidrosis, though it emphasizes in the product description that One AC is not a cure for anhidrosis. Its creation was based on the theory that anhidrosis is caused by an imbalance of dopamine. It contains niacin, pyridoxine HCI and D-calcium pantothenate. One AC was reportedly proven effective in alleviating symptoms of anhidrosis during field tests done by the University of Florida.

    Prespirade

    • Prespirade is a herbal formula designed to "support normal production of body fluids," otherwise known as sweat, in order to "help cool the body and restore normal internal balance for horses" suffering from anhidrosis. Prespirade contains magnolia, forsythia and lonicera.

    Acupuncture

    • Veterinarian Tom Ahern conducted a case study which focused on treating anhidrosis with acupuncture. The case study seemed to demonstrate a level of success on some of the horses using acupuncture, but this method of treatment has not been confirmed effective or proved ineffective except on a case-by-case basis.

    Other Treatments

    • There are a number of rumored anecdotal remedies for anhidrosis that have been developed over the years by various horse lovers. In an article for the Thoroughbred Times, author Cynthia Fairlane mentions adding coffee grounds or beer to the afflicted horses' feed as a possible treatment. It is also suggested that "lite" salt can be added to increase sweat production.