Equine Health

Summer offers longer days which provides more riding time. It’s also the hottest time of the year and horse owners should proceed with caution. Equines can overheat in hot, humid temperatures causing dehydration and overall discomfort. Severe cases may lead to diarrhea or even colic.

Maintain Your Horse’s Hydration

The single most important way to help your horse stay cool and avoid becoming dehydrated is to offer unlimited access to fresh, cool water. Keeping water troughs and buckets clean and free of algae build-up makes it more likely that your horse will drink his or her fill.

Horses typically drink 5 to 10 gallons of water per day. This number increases as the temperature and humidity increases. The amount of exercise will also have a direct affect on your horse’s fluid intake. When traveling, you may need to encourage your horse to drink unfamiliar water by adding apple juice or Gatorade to a bucket of fresh water.

Causes of Overheating

Avoid heat-related issues by addressing potential problems before summer kicks off:

• Poor barn ventilation
• No shade/inadequate shade
• Overworking
• Hauling in a enclosed trailer
• Overweight and/or poor body condition
• Thick winter coat
• Inability to sweat (Anhidrosis)

Keep Your Horse Cool on Hot Days

Horses in hot, humid temperatures can succumb to heat-stress or even worse, heat stroke. Take some time to address your horse’s health and current body condition. Also check your barn’s airflow as well as your horse’s ability to access water and shade especially in the hottest part of the day.

Here are a few more tips to keep your horse from overheating this summer:

1. Turn horses out when it’s cooler such as in the early morning. If your horse is typically turned out for the better part of the day, you may want to consider overnight turnout.
2. Horses that are out during the day require shade from either a run-in shed or lean-to. Trees do not provide reliable shade as it changes as the sun moves.
3. Keep stalls and barn aisles cool by moving the air with fans.
4. Provide access to clean, cool fresh water to keep horses hydrated. It’s important to also replenish the salts and minerals lost during sweating with electrolytes or salt blocks.
5. Change your riding times to the cooler hours of the day. If that’s not an option, ease up on the daily workouts to avoid heat exhaustion. Don’t forget to properly cool him or her down at the end of your ride.
6. Avoid sunburn by changing turnout times or applying equine sunblock. Use of a fly scrim can also help protect sensitive skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
7. Install misting fans or a misting system to cool horses down as well as drop the ambient temperature of your barn. If this isn’t an option, hosing your horses down throughout the day can help keep them cool and comfortable.
8. Don’t forget unlimited access to cool, clean water!

How to Cool Down an Overheated Horse

Just like people, there may be summer days where your horse just gets too hot. They can’t tell you how they feel so you have to watch them closely for signs like excessive or no sweat, dehydration, huffing and puffing, and an elevated heart rate. You can help him or her cool down by hosing him down with cool water. Spray his head, neck, back, rump and legs until the horse has cooled down.

For extremely hot horses, adding ice can quickly reduce his core body temp and heart rate after workouts. Avoid icing the hind end. Skip the sheets and blankets as they block evaporation which is a crucial part of cooling horses down in hot, humid conditions.

Caring For Horses During the Heat of Summer

It’s important to know your horse’s behavior and temperament when they are well. This will help you spot when he’s off due to dehydration, heat stress or heat stroke. Non-sweaters living in hot, humid temperatures are at an even higher risk of heat stroke and should be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you travel to a new area and your horse isn’t accustomed to such high temperatures, give them at least 2 weeks to acclimate. This will build up his heat tolerance and make it safer for him to show, compete or exercise in the summer weather. By following the hot weather horse care tips we’ve shared, you and your horse can safely enjoy the longer, laidback days of summertime.

First, it’s important to understand what EHV-1 is. Like human influenza (the flu), there are multiple strains of the equine herpes virus. EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most common strains that are spread to equines in almost every country, including the United States. It’s an upper respiratory tract infection that may not cause serious side effects in most horses. However, there is a chance that your horse could have a more critical response to the pathogen.

How Is EHV Transmitted?

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) is often called Viral Rhinopneumonitis, or “Rhino” for short. It is contagious and can be spread by horses that aren’t even showing symptoms. Your horse can become infected by direct contact (nose to nose touching), indirect contact (from a contaminated bucket) or by breathing droplets in the air from a sick horse. Keep in mind, you can spread the virus from horse to horse with your hands, equipment or clothing.

Signs and Symptoms of Rhinovirus

Horses will have typical upper respiratory infection symptoms such as a runny nose, a fever and/or cough. The lymph nodes under the jaw may swell. They’ll feel under the weather, lethargic and probably have no appetite. For most, this is as serious as it will get. However, be advised, it can cause abortion in pregnant mares.

For some, the virus becomes serious. Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is another name for the neurologic disease associated with equine herpesvirus (EHV) infections that causes critical and often fatal symptoms. You’ll know the virus has turned severe (neurological) if your horse shows any of the following signs:

• Uncoordinated
• Weak hind end
• Lethargic
• Leaks urine
• Poor tail tone
• Can’t get up from ground
• Holds head at a tilt
• Can’t maintain balance without leaning on fence or wall

How Can I Protect My Horse From Getting It?

Horse shows and equestrian communities around the world, including Ocala, Florida and Europe, are asking owners, exhibitors and anyone in direct contact with horses to take extra precautions to stop or slow the spread of this virus.

• Quarantine new horses
• Don’t share tack or grooming items
• Don’t use shared water troughs, buckets or scoops
• Wash your hands often
• Don’t allow people to pet or feed your horse
• Keep your horses vaccines up-to-date
• Disinfect horse show stables before use
• Disinfect horse trailers
• Only ship with transporters that clean and disinfect between loads of horses

My Horse Had EHV-1 and Didn’t Have Serious Symptoms

Many horses have contracted and tested positive for EHV-1 during their lifetime. Thankfully, in most cases, the illness is not serious, causing only mild respiratory symptoms. Your horse may have only shown minimal signs of being sick such as nasal discharge, fever and cough.

Unfortunately, the outbreaks of rhino viruses around the world and in US states like Florida, Connecticut and California, are developing into EHM that causes dangerous, neurological symptoms. This has resulted in the death of horses around the globe.

Take Extra Precaution to Prevent the Spread of EHV and EHM

Maintain your EHV-1 and EHV-4 equine vaccines as well as those recommended by your veterinarian. Keep your horses healthy in order to fight illness or disease. Provide plenty of hay (fiber) to keep their digestive system functioning well. A healthy gut typically means a healthy immune system. Immediately quarantine any horse that shows signs of being ill especially if he or she has upper respiratory symptoms. Contact your equine vet for diagnosis, testing and treatment.

Treatment is usually supportive care. Try to encourage your horse to eat and drink. Offer fresh water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Your vet may recommend the use of medications to help reduce fever and respiratory tract inflammation. Medication to help your horse breathe better may also be prescribed. Allow the horse to rest and full recovery before returning to work.

FEI is maintaining a database for the current EHV-1/EHM outbreaks in the US and abroad. Get the latest information and statistics at https://inside.fei.org/fei/ehv-1/timeline.

One of the best ways to support your EIPH horse and help reduce mild bleeding episodes is to use a Lasix/Salix alternative. Lasix, or the veterinary counterpart Salix, may cause long term problems so some horse owners try to treat naturally for as long as possible before having to rely on medications.

Drug-Free Bleeder Supplement

As US racetracks and horse shows look at banning or eliminating the use of Lasix, a viable substitute will be needed to support the lung health of many equine athletes.

TWYDIL X has been scientifically formulated with all-natural ingredients including vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the alveolar-capillary barrier and minimize bleeding episodes. Our supplement is intended to be fed daily and has no side effects or harmful long-term issues. Many horse owners report notable improvement within the first week or so.

Why Is the Use of Lasix Controversial?

Commonly known as Salix or Lasix, the prescription IV drug furosemide acts as a diuretic and causes horses to lose 10%-15% of their body weight. This weight loss prior to races may give horses treated with Lasix an advantage as they are running with less weight. However, the reduction of fluids in the body is important because it helps lessen the pressure in the lungs that causes the bleeding. That same fluid reduction can cause dangerous side effects like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, therefore, the use of Lasix or Salix on race day is typically banned in most countries except for the US.[1]

US racetracks, Santa Anita, Churchill Downs and Keeneland, banned raceday use of the controversial anti-bleeding medication following the death of 22 horses in California. [2] This may lead to eventually eliminating the use of the drug.

EIPH Supplement and Anti-Bleeding Medication

For severe bleeders that must remain on prescriptions to control their bleeding, talk to your veterinarian about using TWYDIL X to reinforce treatment. Adding our daily supplement may support recovery after flare ups and reduce irritation of the airways.

As always, our recommendations are not intended to replace veterinarian care or their treatment plans.

All-Natural Salix Substitute

Many respiratory supplements make big claims about stopping bleeding in horses afflicted with Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH). TWYDIL USA makes no such claim but we do have studies that show that daily use of TWYDIL X may naturally reduce the pressure buildup in the lungs, strengthen their blood vessels and help reduce bleeding. Our pulmonary support supplement can also help horses with allergies, asthma and COPD. Please contact us with any questions or to request information that supports our supplement.

References:

1. Ross, Daniel. “Lasix: the drug debate which is bleeding US horse racing dry”. The Guardian. August 31, 2014. Web. Retrieved on 05/01/2021 from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/aug/31/lasix-drug-debate-bleeding-horse-racing
2. Cash, Rana L. and Estes, Gentry. “What you need to know about the use of Lasix in horse racing”. Courier Journal. April 18, 2019. Web. Retrieved on 05/01/2021 from https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/horse-racing/2019/04/18/horse-racing-doping-what-lasix-and-how-used/3495967002/

For horses in competition, it’s important to find supplement formulas that are show-safe. That means they are free from any and all substances that horse shows, events and race tracks have deemed illegal to use. TWYDIL® has taken great care to ensure that each batch of every one of our supplements remains free of any banned ingredients.

Prohibited Performance Enhancing Substances

Because some drugs are plant-derived, that same plant being in a supplement will make that product illegal. Some herbs, such as rosemary, are stimulants and are banned by FEI. While it’s nearly impossible to list all of the rules and regulations surrounding forbidden ingredients in the horse world, TWYDIL® makes every effort to not violate LCH and FEI guidelines.

Show-Safe Calming Ingredients for High Intensity Equine Sports

While any horse can show signs of stress, anxiousness and nervousness, it’s not uncommon to see this in performance horses. Equine athletes can benefit from the natural calming and relaxing ingredients in TWYDIL C as it can be used on the day of competition. This makes it perfect for those competing in showjumping, eventing, racing, cross-county and more.

Conditioning Supplement Formulated Safe for Sporting Horses

Performance horses require a nutritional supplement that complements his or her diet. TWYDIL O is formulated to bridge the gap between commercial feeds and your equine athletes increased nutritional requirements. The vitamins, minerals and amino acids in our feed optimizer supports healthy digestion, overall body condition and the growth of hood and hair.

Safely Boost Your Horse’s Stamina

Administering one tube of TWYDIL H (Hematinic) per day for at least 3 days prior to an event can help show horses meet the demands of competition. Each tube is packed full of vitamins and trace elements that support the nutritional and energy needs of horses competing or training. Our drug-free product contains iron and acts as a blood builder, supporting the production of red blood cells and increasing the oxygenation of muscles during exercise.

All-Natural Horse Show Safe Supplements

At TWYDIL USA, we offer horse owners, trainers and breeders peace of mind when it comes to choosing the best supplements for your show horses, race horses and breeding stock. In addition to the products listed here, we also have specially formulated feed additives to improve digestion, support respiratory health and aid muscle recovery. Visit our equine supplement website to learn more about all of our products, find expert help and buy clean, drug-free TWYDIL® show horse supplements.

Most cases of horses and ponies that tie up may simply have a trigger, rather than a muscle condition, that can be improved by better dietary and management practices. This includes adding a natural equine supplement that contains ingredients known to help reduce the frequency of sore muscles, stiffness and tying up. Herbal adaptogens such as ginger, licorice root and five-flavor fruit have been successfully used to treat mild and severe cases.

What Does Tying Up Mean?

Tying-up is the umbrella term that is used to classify multiple muscle disorders that affect performance horses. It causes mild to severe muscle cramping, soreness and stiffness especially in the hind end. In some cases, it can make a horse unable to even stand up. Some equines may also experience profuse sweating along with elevated heart and respiratory rates. Most cases are classified as one of two types: Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) or Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) or not caused by an underlying condition.

Ginseng Root Remedies for Horses

Both Siberian and Panax (American) ginseng are adaptogens, which means they can help the body (human or equine) adapt to mental and physical stress. Both are considered to be a gentler and cooler variety rather than hot like Korean ginseng that can negatively affect nervous horses.[1] Ginseng has been shown to shift how the body metabolizes energy helping to delay the build-up of lactic acid. This helps reduce muscle fatigue, soreness and cramping in your equine athlete. [2]

Licorice Root Aids PSSM Horses

Licorice root is commonly known for its flavor in foods but it also contains beneficial therapeutic properties. It is a powerful adaptogen derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Like ginseng, it helps equine athletes adapt to mental and physical stressors. In addition to adrenal and immune support, it reduces inflammation helping to minimize muscle soreness and joint pain.[3] This benefits horses that are prone to tying up from triggers such as overexertion, electrolyte depletion or conditions like PSSM.

Benefits of Schisandra chinensis in Performance Horses

Schisandra chinensis, a potent adaptogen, is commonly known as Five-Flavor Berry, Five-Flavor Fruit or Magnolia Berry. Used in horses with chronic tie up issues, it helps reduce stiffness. Studies based on two groups of racehorses have shown that Schisandra lowers the liver enzymes that cause high levels of lactic acid. The five-fruit berry extract lowers the body’s lactic acid helping to eliminate liver issues as well as muscle damage, soreness and stiffness.[4]

All-Natural Muscle Recovery Supplement for Horses

Along with proper hydration, rest and balanced electrolytes, an adaptogen and antioxidant (vitamin c) supplement such as TWYDIL® M can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness in all equine athletes. Our all-natural, drug-free product may also aid horses suffering from diseases that cause chronic tying up like PSSM and RER, reducing the likelihood of permanent muscle damage.

As with any condition, it is advised that you seek proper diagnosis and treatment from a licensed veterinarian. From there, he or she can recommend proper dietary changes and equine management practices to reduce the typing up episodes.

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References:

1. Garland, Gloria LAc, Dipl. Ac & CH. “Ginseng for Horses”. Whole Horse Herbs. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://www.wholehorse.com/ginseng.html
2. Shuttleworth, Beryl. “Feeding Your Horse Ginseng”. Horse and Pet Health, Dec. 21, 2012. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://www.horseandpethealth.com/horse-health/feeding-your-horse-ginseng/
3. Edwards, Elisha. “The Benefits of Licorice Root for Horses”. Elisha Edwards. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://elishaedwards.com/the-benefits-licorice-root-horses/
4. Staff, Herbs for Health. “Herbs for Health: Schisandra, Dandelion and Saw Palmetto”. Mother Earth Living. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/capsules-schiandra-dandelion-saw-palmetto

EHV-1 is a rhinopneumonitis that usually causes respiratory infection in horses. Infected horses will often exhibit symptoms such as: high fevers, lethargy, nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes and swelling of the throat latch area. Occasionally, EHV-1 may cause swelling (edema) of the limbs and can also lead to your horse developing bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia. Currently, the strain of EHV-1 that has been spreading in the latest outbreak is a more severe version.

Why Should I Be Concerned About Rhinovirus?

Unfortunately, EHV-1 can also cause late term abortions, foal deaths and neurological problems. The latest, aggressive strain of EHV-1 is called Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) and is associated with neurological symptoms. It can severely affect the brain and spinal cord causing hind end weakness, lack of coordination (ataxia), leaking of urine or the inability to pass urine or manure. The end result for horses infected with the EHM strain is paralysis and often death. [1]

How Can My Horse Get EHV-1?

EHV-1 or EHM is a highly contagious virus and is typically spread by direct, horse-to-horse contact. The virus is shed in the respiratory tract of infected horses meaning it is spread through the nasal discharge including coughing and sneezing. It is possible to spread it indirectly through contact with contaminated items such as shared buckets, trailers, tack, people’s hands and grooming equipment. [2]

Ways to Help Keep Your Horse From Contracting the Neurologic Strain of EHV-1

Dr. Kim A. Spraybery, D.V.M., a board-certified medicine specialist, shared several strategies to minimize your horse’s exposure to the rhinovirus. Her recommendations are for at your home barn as well as during traveling, stabling elsewhere and in situations where avoiding other horses is impossible such as at shows. While these are not guaranteed to provide 100% protection, the effort to restrict your horse’s exposure may minimize the risk of contracting EHM as outbreaks are occurring stateside and internationally. [3]

• Maintain your horse’s vaccination schedule
• Limit exposure to other horses
• Prevent nose-to-nose contact especially at shows
• Skip the community water troughs
• Don’t share buckets, feed scoops, grooming equipment or tack
• Don’t pet or interact with other equines
• Don’t allow others to pet or interact with your horse or horses
• Keep your hands washed
• Disinfect your trailer immediately after use
• Disinfect stalls at the showgrounds before stabling your own horse
• When shipping, verify that boxes are disinfected between shipments
• Quarantine any new arrivals at your farm for 14-21 days [3]

Supplementing Vitamin E Can Improve Immunity

Research has shown that domestic animals that are fed additional vitamin E have a stronger immune system. According to The Horse Magazine, horses fed diets fortified with vitamin E have shown “increased specific infection-fighting white blood cells’ bacterial killing capacities.” Vitamin E can also help equine’s in stressful situations remain healthy and maintain their immunity. [4]

As outbreaks of rhino viruses have been reported in Florida, Connecticut and California as well as across the globe, increasing the nutritional support your horse receives may help prevent infection or assist in recovery.  Feeding nutritional supplements, including Vitamin E, that support gut health also boost the equine immune system making your horses better able fight off infections, including EHV-1 and EHM. [5]

TWYDIL® S May Help Protect Your Horse During the EHV/EHM Outbreak

While supplements alone may not prevent illness, a digestive health supplement can help boost the immune system. Research has shown that a strong immune system begins with improving the health of the digestive system. [6] Used daily, TWYDIL® S paste improves your horse’s gut flora thereby restoring his digestive health as well as his overall health. As our unique formula is continually fed, the Vitamin E, healthy fats, prebiotics and antioxidants make your horse’s body better able to fight off infection and increases the chances of a full recovery following serious illness. [6]

FEI is maintaining a database for the current EHV-1/EHM outbreaks in the US and abroad. Get the latest information and statistics at https://inside.fei.org/fei/ehv-1/timeline.

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References:

1. Young, Amy. “Equine Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).” School of Veterinary Medicine, July 31, 2019. Web. Retrieved April 1, 2021 from https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-herpes-virus-1-myeloencephalopathy
2. “FAQ: Equine Herpesvirus (EHV).” AAEP – American Association of Equine Practitioners. 2020. Web. Retrieved April 1, 2021 from https://aaep.org/horsehealth/faq-equine-herpesvirus-ehv
3. Spaybery, Kim A, DVM. “What are the Symptoms of EHV-1 and how do I protect my horse?”. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Web. Retrieved from https://www.hagyard.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-ehv-1-and-how-do-i-protect-my-horse
4. Oke, Stacy, DVM, MSC. “Vitamin E Might Provide Support For Horses in Stressful Situations.” The Horse – Your Guide to Equine Health Care. Sept. 17, 2020. Web. Retrieved April 1, 2021 from https://thehorse.com/192579/vitamin-e-might-provide-support-for-horses-in-stressful-situations/
5. Henneman, Kimberly, DVM, DACVSMR (EQ, K9), FAAVA, DABT, CVA, CVC. “An integrative approach to Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM).” Innovative Veterinary Care. August 14, 2017. Web. Retrieved April 1, 2021 from https://ivcjournal.com/integrative-approach-ehm/
6. Gill, Amy. “Building Blocks to a Healthy Immune System.” Holistic Horse. Web. Retrieved April 1, 2021 from https://holistichorse.com/health-care/building-blocks-to-a-healthy-immune-system/

With any horse, there are factors such as breed, age, body type and activity level that influence a horse’s dietary needs. Equines that need additional nutritional support are pregnant or nursing mares, breeding stallions and performance horses. Horses that are in heavy training or competing regularly require additional calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to meet their energy needs while maintaining their overall health and body condition.

Equestrian Disciplines That Influence a Horse’s Nutrient Requirements

When people think of horses that work hard, train hard and compete even harder, thoroughbred racing often comes to mind. While it’s true, they may endure intense workouts and training regimens, there are many disciplines that require maximum effort from the horse.

Here are several types of English and Western riding disciplines that may increase a horse’s need for a high-energy diet:

• Thoroughbred racing
• Quarter Horse racing
• Harness racing
• Steeplechase
• Barrel racing
• Endurance racing
• Combined driving
• Eventing
• Showjumping
• Cross country jumping
• Dressage
• Reining
• Fox Hunting
• Vaulting/Trick Riding
• Polo

Feeding Equines with Heavy Conditioning and Training Schedules

When it comes to nutritional requirements, racehorses and performance horses require large quantities of high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals and fats (calories). In order to perform and to sustain that performance, whether it’s racing, jumping, eventing or any other competition, horses need dietary energy. Grazing alone or feeding low-quality maintenance feeds do not fulfill these requirements. The equine body needs a fuel source to support the energy expended during exercise. That requirement is often double that of a maintenance level horse.

Dietary Energy Needs of Competition Horses

Competition horses cannot meet their dietary needs by forage alone. Estimating how much energy (calories) your horse needs, you have to consider how much work is being done, the kind of work your horse is doing (low or high intensity) and the horse’s developmental stage.

Fiber – Proper gut function is essential to the health of a horse and its digestive system is designed to utilize fiber-rich forage. As hay and grass slowly move through the hindgut, it is fermented which is then used as an energy source. Some horse trainers choose to add beet pulp as another highly fermentable fiber choice.

Starch (carbohydrates) – Cereal grains such as oats, corn and barley provide extra calories. Starches or carbs is the source for glycogen (glucose and insulin) that the body uses to fuel quick bursts of energy. It’s stored in the muscles, liver and fat cells.

Note: Horses prone to tying up may do better on low-starch feeds.

Fats – High-fat feeds and high-calorie supplements typically rely on healthy oils to increase the digestible fats needed to maintain body condition. Using fats to increase the caloric intake of a performance horse relieves the need to increase the actual feed volume.

Protein – Next to energy, protein is the most essential nutrient in your equine athlete’s diet. It’s a building block for hoof, hair, skin, tissues, blood, bones and of course, muscle. Protein is composed of amino acids that repair and build muscle making it a crucial element of any training program involving heavy workloads.

Feeding for Conditioning and Performance

Complete Horse Feeds

Most complete feeds that are commercially made typically include all the major energy sources we’ve already discussed (starch, fat, fiber and protein). They are intended to help increase the calorie intake of horses in training or competition without increasing the actual amount of grain being fed. Complete feeds are either textured (sweet feed) or pelleted feed and both include essential vitamins and minerals.

Equine Energy and Muscle Builder Supplements

Since the equine digestive system is designed to digest small amounts over time, overloading your horse’s gut with large amounts of grain can cause serious health issues including colic. If you feel your horse needs additional energy (fats/calories) or muscle-building components, you can choose to add a feed supplement that corresponds to the desired effect. This is a safe alternative to overfeeding any horse requiring more calories. Reading labels will help you decide which product and ingredients are right for you and your horse.

Matching Your Horse’s Diet to Its Workload

Performance horses have specific nutrient requirements that differ from that of other horses. If your horse is typically turned out, used for pleasure or light work, he or she will easily become overweight on diet intended for horses in competition. When horses are working hard, they require an energy source, nutrients for muscle function, and electrolytes to replenish the balance of fluids and body functions. Ensure that each horse in your care has unlimited access to fresh water and is fed plenty of forage (hay) especially if they are often stall kept. If you are unsure of your horse’s nutritional requirements, ask your vet to evaluate the current diet and what his or her recommendations are before making changes.

If your equine athlete has ever had a nosebleed (epistaxis), then you are probably familiar with the term: Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). It’s likely you’ve discussed both medical and non-medical treatment options for this disorder as there is no cure. Typically, the plan is to reduce the symptoms with proper rest between workouts, medication and nutritional supplements shown to help EIPH horses.

What causes EIPH bleeding in horses

The actual reason some horses experience EIPH episodes, while others do not, is still unknown. Simply put, this condition is caused when pulmonary blood vessels in the lung rupture while the horse is exercising. Pressure within the airways can cause these blood vessels to break even while participating in mild exercise, so it’s not just strenuous activity that causes bleeding. Most horses with EIPH will only have bleeding within the airways, which is not visible without a scope. Only a small percentage experience bleeding from one or both nostrils. Without proper care, each episode creates scar tissue and lung damage which eventually reduces lung capacity and function.

Veterinary Care for Equine Bleeders

Once your horse has been properly diagnosed by your vet, a diuretic is prescribed for use 4 hours prior to exercise. Furosemide (Salix, formerly Lasix) increases urination which lowers the volume of blood in the body. The result is less pressure in the lungs and on its blood vessels. While the medication may reduce symptoms, it cannot completely prevent bleeding episodes.

With Salix being the only race-day approved medication in some jurisdictions, alternatives are being researched as the medication continues to receive support to ban it. Some vets are showing positive results with Furosemide alternatives such as concentrated equine serum, nitric oxide, conjugated estrogens and anti-fibrinolytics. Others prescribe anti-inflammatories to reduce airway swelling and bronchodilators to assist the respiratory function. You should discuss these options only with a licensed veterinarian.

Alternative Treatments for Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage

Non-medical treatment options include nasal strips (nasal dilators). When used during workouts, they help balance the pressure within the lungs and it’s membranes to reduce bleeding. Other non-medical treatment options include herbal formulas, supplements, diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and plenty of stall rest. Microcurrent therapy is also another option that some EIPH horse owners have had success with.

Equine Feed Additives for EIPH Management

Since EIPH is not curable and no one treatment can eliminate the risk of lung bleeding, adding a supplement to your treatment plan can help. Some bleeder supplement ingredients may strengthen the capillaries (blood vessels) which can help reduce fluids, mucus and irritation of the airways. These supplements, like TWYDIL® X, can also help horses prone to other respiratory issues including heaves, COPD, stable cough, allergies and fungal infections.

Respiratory Supplement to Support Performance Horse’s With Bleeding Lungs and Inflamed Airways

While EIPH is common in the racing industry, it is not limited to just thoroughbreds. The lung bleeding disorder can be found in other breeds including Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Arabians and Standardbreds. However, It’s not uncommon to find bleeders in any high-performance equine sport such as eventing, steeplechasing, polo, show jumping, barrel racing and reining.

Even a small loss of lung function due to damage and scar tissue can reduce a horse’s performance and shorten their career. To protect your horse’s respiratory health, maximize lung capacity and reduce the frequency of bleeding, TWYDIL® X is formulated to minimize airway inflammation and reduce pressure-inducing fluids. With only plant and mineral-based ingredients, it is safe for daily use in all horses. Our EIPH respiratory aid is a natural, drug-free alternative to Lasix making it allowable for use during competition.

Even the best trained horses can experience anxiety and nervousness occasionally. Some situations, like shipping or having their teeth done can stress out even the quietest of equines. Maybe your favorite mount is just a little high strung. Having an equine calming aid in your feed room that you know works quickly and safely for all horses is a gift to horse owners.

Ingredients That Help Relax Nervousness

Finding a horse calming supplement that is both safe and effective takes a little homework. You’ll want to skip any calming agents that use a drug to relax your horse. Calming is not the same as sedation. Not only can drugging your horse cause him to lose focus, but it’s dangerous, habit-forming and against competition rules. Make sure to carefully read the label. Look for all-natural, soothing ingredients such as L-Tryptophan, Magnesium and Vitamin B.

How Does Tryptophan Work to Calm Horses?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the equine brain that helps lower the level of fear, stress and anxiety that horses may experience. It has a mild sedating effect that is achieved without drugs. The amino acid, L-Tryptophan, is a building block of serotonin. Horses that lack tryptophan often exhibit anxiety, nervousness and spook easily. This naturally occurring ingredient is used in equine supplements to produce quieter behavior in horses.

Benefits of Magnesium Proteinate

Magnesium is a key ingredient in most calming supplements because it’s known to help horses that tend to be excitable and jumpy. Stress can cause their magnesium levels to drop. Equines that have a magnesium deficiency may act anxious and jittery. Magnesium Proteinate is a chelated trace mineral with a high degree of bioavailability meaning the body can absorb more of it rather than waste it. For equine athletes, magnesium can have a performance boosting effect as it increases oxygen delivery to muscles and helps the body metabolize carbohydrates and amino for all day stamina.

Vitamin B in Equine Mood Supplements

The same B vitamins that are known for having anti-anxiety effects on people can also help horses to relax. B Vitamins are commonly used for performance horses to ease the stress of travel and competition. Thiamine or B1 is often sold alone for its calming and relaxing effects on scared or easily excited horses.

The Horse Calmer That Actually Works

When you find yourself with a nervous horse that spooks or gets stressed out easily, TWYDIL USA has the calming solution that professional trainers, breeders and competitors rely on. This is not just a quick fix to get your horse through an unpleasant situation. TWYDIL® C is a sedative-free supplement that soothes anxious horses, promotes quiet behavior and enhances performance. Because it calms naturally, it allows horses to remain relaxed yet focused throughout the entire day of competition. TWYDIL® C also meets all strict international anti-doping requirements and is safe for use in horses of all ages.

In recent years, horse nutrition has been scientifically researched allowing for more targeted supplementation. A balanced equine diet must include fats, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Horses in heavy training, especially in humid, tropical climates, also require electrotypes. Commercially made feeds offer a good foundation but in many cases, additional health and nutritional support may be necessary.

Types of Equine Feed Additives

Additional vitamins, minerals and other essential ingredients can play an important part in keeping your horses fit and in optimal health. It’s important to understand the difference between the two types of supplements available:

Nutritional – vitamins, minerals, herbs and plant-based sources designed to enhance or balance your horse’s diet.

Health – provides support or maintenance of a body structure or function such as respiratory supplement

Are Supplements Safe?

When it comes to our horses, what we feed them is just as important as vet check ups and farrier visits. There are a lot of choices out there. Do your research. Read the ingredients list on the label. Typically, nutritional products made by or bought from reputable companies are safe provided you follow the instructions provided. Too much of certain ingredients can be unsafe, so it’s crucial to stick to the recommended dosage unless a veterinarian instructs you otherwise.

Do They Really Work?

When it comes to animal (or human) health, there is no magic pill. Horse owners, trainers and breeders are a well-informed audience so any company trying to market a feed supplement needs to show proof that their product works. Today, many equine products are backed by scientific research and case studies. If you aren’t sure if a company can support their product claims, contact them and ask for documentation if it’s not readily provided on their website. No facts? Then keep shopping.

Risk of Doping Test Failures

A positive swab before or after a race, show or competition can have major consequences. Testing positive can result in equine athletes and riders being suspended or disqualified. In some cases, winnings may be stripped. To avoid embarrassing and costly affirmative action, it’s crucial to find an equine health product that is truly free of any banned substances. TWYDIL® tests each product batch and is certified free of prohibited substances. Their supplements are FEI and RCI compliant for International competition, safe for use even on the day of the event.

Choosing the Right Equine Health & Nutritional Supplement for Your Horse

Consumers put a lot of trust in brand names. TWYDIL® should be one of them. Every product bearing the TWYDIL name is the result of research and is backed by scientific data With over 50 years of manufacturing world-class equine products, they offer a guarantee of quality and that each product meets strict international anti-doping requirements. That means there is no wait time for a substance to clear your horse’s system. Each supplement is safe to use even on race or show day, guaranteed. TWYDIL USA proudly offers these globally-recognized, innovative feed additives to support the health of equines of all ages, especially the performance horse.