Homeopathic Remedies for Horses

Homeopathy is a holistic therapy used to treat disease and illness. Homeopathy literally means "similar to the disease." It is used to cure disease in a sick body by administering a substance that triggers symptoms in a healthy body. Homeopathic practitioners find this method of healing very effective when used with horses and ponies. Horses are very sensitive creatures and enjoy homeopathic care. When treating a horse homeopathically, practitioners take into account the horse's personality, general health, lifestyle and environment of the animal before prescribing a treatment.

  1. Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's Disease occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce corticosteroid hormones. Dogs and horses are affected by the disease, usually midlife or later. Early diagnosis leads to increased effectiveness of homeopathic treatments. Cushing's disease causes hair loss, as well as a dullness in the coat. Treatment for Cushing's Disease is determined by the cause and severity of the condition. Homeopathic formic acid is effective during the early stages of the disease. Other treatment options include herbs, such as nettle, rosehips, garlic and milk thistle.

    Colic

    • Colic in horses is very serious and can be life-threatening. Diagnosing and treating colic quickly is essential to preserving a horse's health. Use homeopathy to ease the discomfort and spasm of colic until a veterinarian is able to treat the horse. Improvement should occur within 15 minutes if the homeopathic remedy is effective. Choose the remedy intended to treat the horse's specific symptoms. For instance, aconite works best for a horse suffering from colic caused by fear or anguish. This is recognized by a rapid pulse, high fever and restlessness.

      Arsenicum Album, which is white arsenic, works best for anxious and restless horses with dark, watery, foul-smelling and possibly bloody diarrhea. Bellodonna, also known as deadly nightshade, is useful when colic symptoms arise in a sudden, violent manner. Other symptoms include dry mouth, glazed and dilated eyes, skin that is hot to the touch, kicking, angry behavior, teeth grinding and green, foul-smelling diarrhea. Chamomilla, usually called chamomile, helps horses with excessive flatulence brought on by colic. Chamomile should not be used if the horse is constipated.

    Bruised Soles

    • Treat horses suffering from bruised soles or sensitive hooves with Arnica Montana. It is sold in pellet form at most health food stores. Dissolve a pellet in water and draw the liquid into a syringe. Squirt the solution onto the hoof one to three times per day for up to three days. Arnica gel is also a useful solution.

    Other Issues

    • In addition to the health issues listed above, homeopathic remedies are also effective in treating rain scald and rain rot, ringworm, sweat bumps, allergies, behavioral problems, cough, ulcers, sunburn, salmonella, shivering, warts, viruses and wind sucking.