2017 Miniature Horse World April E-Magazine | Page 31

Western Herbs
Aloe vera is a nutritional herb,
which will support healthy bacterial
growth and help heal the damaged
intestinal lining. Use approximately
wall. It is especially useful with aloe
vera to heal the intestinal irritation
secondary to the use of non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
such as phenylbutazone.
Herbs of many types are useful
for the laminitic Mini. Milk thistle,
Vitex Agnus Castus, bilberry,
fenugreek, and many others have
properties that support and correct
the hormonal system and add anti-
inflammatory effects.
Cinnamon is an herb that has
received some research and press
about its effectiveness in treating
IR. Many supplements now contain
cinnamon; some contain large
amounts. Cinnamon is an extremely
warming herb, and can be useful
for the aging horse, but in the
younger horse can aggravate the
inflammation present. Find an
experienced herbalist to help
guide you.
Hoof care
the human dose on the label for a
Mini. Slippery elm bark is another
nutritional herb, which protects
and aids in healing the intestinal
R
Hoof care is very important.
Frequent touch-up trimming is
often much better than waiting 4-6
weeks between major jobs. It is very
Prevention
Prevention is still the best way
to manage laminitis in equines.
However, horses with chroni