Grass Affected Horses and High Fructan Levels

Introduction 

This article only discusses high levels of fructans in grasses and how some of the effects can be mitigated. Other factors that are not discussed here is that levels and ratios of potassium and sodium are also critical in managing behavioural and adrenal issues

 

High Sugar levels in Grass or Myco-toxins? A more detailed explanation is provided on our website which can be followed by clicking on this link.

Just be aware that high sugar levels are only part of the story as is supplementation of magnesium.

A question that often occurs is this:

• Is my horse affected by the high sugar levels in the grass?…or …
• Are myco-toxins present on the surface of the leaf blade responsible for spooky behaviour.

There is a big difference and both are caused by environmental conditions but the actual causative factor is very different working on different parts of the horse’s physiology. High sugars and low magnesium levels will lead to excessively spooky and reactive behaviour which will act on the adrenals making the horse more reactive to stimuli.

Myco-spores on the other hand when ingested act on the neurological system making the horse ‘see’ and ‘feel’ things that don’t exist.  In other words the horse is experiencing a mild form of a trip one would get when taking magic mushrooms.

High Sugar Grasses

Now with the advent of new grass and paddock species, usually with higher than normal high fructan levels tailored toward milk production, the problem with grass affected horses increases yearly.

What are Fructans in Grass? 

Fructans  are fructose chain molecules, a type of sugar which is the by-product of photosynthesis which manufactures energy in the form of starches. On sunny days, fructose is produced in large quantities and stored within the foliage to be used at night for growth or cell division.

Some suggestions 

• Autumn and spring particularly brings the need for magnesium   supplementation particularly as you build up the fructan processing micro-flora. Anti Al MAG has biologically available ionise magnesium that is quick acting and can be doubled up if your horse is being troublesome.
• The best time to graze your horse is a couple of hours after sunrise and again later in the evening as the sun sets when sugar levels are at their lowest.
• A lot of behavioural problems can be completely eliminated by changing your pasture.
• Applying a biological tea and improving soils biodiversity will reduce the need for expensive supplements and toxin binders.
• Ensure your horse has sufficient salt (sodium chloride) this helps maintain the correct sodium/potassium balance. Imbalance can lead to neurological problems and can affect adrenal function.
• High sugars lead to excess glycogen storage in the muscle fibres which makes the horse more reactive so lower the GI of feed by adding fats or oils to the diet. This will help manage sugar peaks and insulin disruption
• Ensure that your horse gets sunlight with out the cover on for at least two hours a day. This will help increase calcium, vitamins A and D levels, all responsible for maintaining deep organ health as well as the nervous system ie levels of serotonin responsible for feelings of contentment. St John’s Wort can also be supplemented at this time too.

Cushings Newsletter

 

Introduction 

 

In our last letter had a special on our Immune Tonic and we are almost out of this and will have to make up a fresh batch.

Of interest was that a client came back to us with this written in an email

“Firstly can I please order a litre of your Immune Tonic – it’s not only cured my boys cough but also irradiated his parasite problem.   Tested 0 in his FEC today after having continuous high counts for the past 10months.”

By law we cannot make any claims about this being a parasitic treatment but we do have herbs in this blend that are known vermifuges.
General Information on Equine Metabolic Disease

To maintain calm healthy horses is one way to ensure that they will not succumb to excessive stress which combined with age could lead to metabolic conditions like cushings, laminitis etc.

This condition is primarily a disruption to the endocrine system occurring with age and prolonged stress.

Cushing’s Disease  is  known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID, and  is a dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Cushing’s (PPID) is caused by progressive nerve degeneration called the hypothalamus, (in brain)leading to a reduction in a neurotrasmitter substance called dopamine. Dopamine is important in controlling the secretions of a part of the pituitary gland which in turn is responsible for controlling the secretion of hormones including ACTH and cortisol.

When the pituitary is not exposed to enough dopamine from the hypothalamus,  the production  of these hormones (ACTH)  becomes abnormally high .

ACTH refers to Adrenocorticotropic hormone is produced in the , pituitary gland in the brain. The function of ACTH is to regulate levels of the steroid hormone cortisol, which released from the adrenal gland. Too much and sustained will cortisol/stress will  lead to cushings.

The diagram below shows the stress pathway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

• Blood tests will reveal abnormally high levels of ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone which is often the end result of prolonged stress and elevated levels of cortisol.
• This condition is accompanied with low levels of dopamine
• Hypertrichosis  (long, curly hair ) along with delayed haircoat shedding
• Change in body conformation through loss of muscle mass and a pot belly due to weakening and stretching of abdominal muscles.
• Decreased athletic performance due to loss of muscle integrity which leads to a change in attitude/lethargy.
• Fat deposits, especially along the crest of the neck and over the tail head
• Recurrent bouts of laminitis, stone bruises and secondary infections to the sole of the hoof.
• Increased drinking and urination accompanied with abnormal sweating
• Recurrent infections and delayed or poor wound healing due to compromised immune system.
• Disruption to the reproductive system ie absent reproductive cycle/infertility

Possible Causes

• Age ; generally older horses especially ponies are more prone to this disease.
• Prolonged stress. This is not to be confused with neglect and cruelty though this would certainly contribute to its onset. I refer to more subtle form of stress from systemic inflammation, a predominantly hyper alert state, a horse that is exposed to situations that stress them and don’t respond well to desensitising training methods.
• Untreated or poorly managed EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome)or insulin resistence.
• Diet too high in simple sugars, transfats, prolonged exposure to mico-toxins, insufficient solule and insoluble fibre, low vitamin D levels

Veterinary Treatment

Treatment does not completely halt the progression of the disease, but clinical options include measuring the resting ACTH level, performing a TRH Stimulation Test, and others and from that prescribing the following

• Bromocriptine (replaces dopamine production)
• Trilostane (inhibits cortisol production)
• Cyproheptadine (inhibits serotonin production)

Management of Cushings

• A cushings horse is a special needs horse requiring special care and attention
• Diet modifications because insulin and blood sugar metabolism may not be functioning properly so, avoid feeding traditional grains, treats or pasture because these can be high in sugars and starches.
• Provide low-sugar/high-fiber feed and add between half to one cup of coconut oil to feed as this will help reduce the insulin fluctuations.
• Feed coconut oil (MCT’s) are broken down immediately by saliva and gastric juice enzymes so that the pancreatic fat-digesting juices are not involved in their digestion. They are then broken down into medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Unlike other fatty acids these MCFA’s are absorbed directly from the intestines into the portal vein the then straight onto the liver. They are not packaged into lipoproteins like other fatty acids( tending to lay down fat) but are converted into fuel via the liver. This also helps help stabilize blood sugar.
• Providing Omega Oils to help address the inflammatory response.

Natural and Herbal Treatment

• Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus) is the one herb that is able to influence the pituitary gland which will help modify the stress axis responsible for the onset of this disease. Vitex agnes contains steroidal hormone precursors which works by regulating the pituitary gland, by sending signals to other glands instructing them of how much of each hormone to make. A study has shown that extracts of vitex agnes can bind to opiate receptors which could explain why intake of vitex reduces is sedating.
• Ashwagandha Withania somnifera is an adaptogen which is able to bring the endocrine system into balance as well as an is anti-inflammatory agent, and as an “adaptogen” (endurance enhancer) and able to reduce the effect of stress. Of note is that is also able to increase levels of available dopamine. (Something that is low in animals with Cushings. Its exact physiological effect can be found by following this link. https://hiralabs.co.nz/ashwagandha-2/.
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) can help with this condition by increasing turnover of both dopamine and serotonin ginkgo also reduces stress and anxiety by lowering levels of cortisol.

• Amino acids such as lysine methionine and threonine to support lean muscle mass

• High doses of vitamin C and vitamin B1 can also help with Cushings.
• Synthetic DHEA can be administered as that is depleted when cortisol levels are elevated

Feel free to contact us info@hiralabs.co.nz to get further information on specials surrounding this issue

 

 

 

Prohibited Herbs for Competition

Something about Prohibited Substances: abridged from ESNZ Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules.

ESNZ Clean Sport advises caution with the administration of herbal or natural medicinal preparations.

The use of herbal and natural products in a horse might result in an adverse analytical finding that violates the ESNZ Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules.

Herbal and natural medicinal products are classified as prohibited because of their

potential actions on various body systems when administered.

 

Prohibited herbs as listed by ESNZ Clean Sport and copied (and edited in an effort to correct possible botanical anomalies) I have attempted to ensure that the common names are indeed what the ESNZ Clean Sport are the plants they are trying to convey by adding the botanical names and some of the active ingredients that may show up as metabolites. International norms require common names to be always accompanied by the botanical names. This is because a number of species share the same common name and this inaccuracy could have disastrous consequences. I have made up this table using the common names provided by ESCNZ Edited and added further information in an attempt to clear up any ambiguity:

 

Common Name	Botanical Name	Comments
Valerian	Valeriana officinalis	Sedative. Valerinic acid is shared with rosemary which could also present with banned metabolites.
Kava	Piper methysticum	Sedative, psychoactive and increases dopamine levels Contains kavalactones,. Some ingredients shared with kawakawa.
Passion flower	Passiflora incarnata	Sedating. At a dosage of 10 mg/kg of the purified methanol extract, the anxiolytic effects were comparable to a 2 mg/kg of diazepam. The active constituent benzoflavone which reduce symptoms of withdrawal from, and addiction and dependence of benzodiazepines alcohol, morphine, nicotine and cannabis
Skullcap	Scutellaria. lateriflora,	Contains Baicalein  one of the Scutellaria flavonoids. Sedating and anti-inflammatory shown to inhibit histamine properties.
Chamomile	Matricaria chamomilla	Sedating. Shares same ingredients as stinkweed Matricaria discoidea a common pasture weed. Chemical components have demonstrated anti-inflammatory,antihyperglycemic antigenotoxic and anticancer properties
Vervain	Verbena officinalis	Derivatives of ursolic acid and oleanolic acids anti –inflammatory and sedative.
Lemon balm	(Melissa officinalis	Sedating and anti-viral.  Contains eugenol, tannins, and terpenes antithyrotropic activity, inhibiting TSH from attaching to TSH receptors, hence making it of possible use in the treatment of hyperthyroidism The major compound responsible for GABA transaminase inhibition activity was found to be rosmarinic acid Again rosemary. We have another plant that has similar action along with effectively slowing heart rate.
Devil’s claw	Harpagophytum procumbens	Has a anti Inflammatory, analgesic, sedative and diuretic properties. Harpagosides shared with a number of herbs. Again we have a number of plants that share similar active ingredients.
Leopards bane	Arnica montana	I think this is the plant ESNZ refer to but other plants called leopard’s balm are aconite, monkshood, wolf’s bane, women’s bane, Devil’s helmet or blue rocket. All toxic. Arnica is found in topical treatments for bruising and muscle sorenss. Internal only as a homeopathic substance.
Deadly nightshade	Atropa belladonna	The foliage and berries are extremely toxic, containing tropane alkaloids. These toxins include scopolamine and hyoscyamine, The drug atropine is derived from the plant. This plant is a common garden herb and horses will not eat it unless there is nothing else to eat or it is dried and mixed with hay.
hops	Humulus lupulus	Sedating. contains myrcene, humulene,  xanthohumol,  myrcenol,, linalool,, tannins, and resin.
laurel	???	This common name is shared by many other plants.
Lavender	Lavendula sp.	Used as a relaxant. More suitable as an inhalant. Unlikely to show up in a test.
Red poppy
Green Tea	Camellia sinensis	Mild stimulant .May be included in list due to the slow release of caffeine. Wonderful garden plant grown as a hedge or as part of a shrub border. Horses will nibble on theses leaves if they can be reached over a fence.
Indian Snakeroot	Rauwolfia serpentine	Tranquillizer, lowers blood pressure and may help with mental disorders. Active ingredients  include, reserpine, ajmaline, deserpidine, rescinnamine, serpentinine and yohimbine. The last one interesting because it shares identical ingredients to an African plant used for erectile disfunction. Pausinystalia yohimbe(Yohimbe), and is a protected species confined to Africa.
Comfrey	Symphytum officinale	Allantoin helps repair cells in the body. Treats ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne, skin condition, bone and teeth building properties. Constituents include mucilage, steroidal saponins, tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, inulin, and proteins. , Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are thought to cause liver problems if taken for prolonged periods of time.
Hot chilles	Capsaicin	Analgesic due to altering the perception of pain by acting on the neuro-transmitter substance P. The higher the Scoville scale the more effective it is. Topical and ingested can be detected in a test.
St John’s wort	Hypericim perforatum	Sedative, behaviour modifier. I did not see this herb listed in the bulletin but heard that it is regarded as an environmental contaminant. It is commonly found in pastures.
Poppy (Flanders and/or opium	Papaver rhoeas or Papaver somniferum	Uncertain as to whether they mean P. rhoeas or P. Sominfera. Somnifera is the opium poppy containing alkaloids such as morphine, thebaine, codeine and oripavine are extracted. Morphine is the predominant alkaloid found in sominfera. They are also use in poppy seed toppings and muffins so don’t share these with your horse!Papaver rhoeas or Papaver somniferum
White Willow Salix sp.	Salicylates natural source of salicylic acid. Pain killer. Be aware that other species containthese metabolites too ie alders, poplars, birch.

 

Our Comments 

Given that there is an increasing list of banned herbs including those that may be tested for, we continue to caution people to discontinue any liquid herbal extracts 8 hours before a major competition. This is increased to 24 hours for whole herbs, dried product etc. due to the slower rate of metabolism as they travel through the digestive system.

Herbs like chamomile have been added to the list in spite of the fact that a number of naturally occurring weeds contain the same active ingredients that will also show up should there be a test for it. Be aware that birches, alder and poplar also have salicylates.

Other banned environmental contaminants include theobromine one of the constituents of chocolate. So don’t feed your horse chocolate coated tit bits, M&Ms, Moro bars etc, leaves off your cocoa tree etc. Caffeine is found in a wide range of food stuffs but also be aware that if your chaff has come in bags that originally had coffee beans this will also show up in a test. Tests ONLY provide the presence of a banned substance it does not provide lower acceptable thresholds of a substance.

We do have the odd query over peppermint . While the main ingredient is menthol it does have a secondary ingredient hesperine which is found in cholesterol lowering drugs so we can’t be sure on that one either so if in doubt leave it out. So no Odd Fellows before an event.

 

What is a Tide-Over Herb? 

These are herbs that effect changes to the body’s physiology and biochemistry over a longer period of time without leaving ‘evidence’ of metabolites should the horse be tested on the day.

Most of these herbs will act on the endocrine system and neurological pathways which will help reduce levels of cortisol and its subsequent cascade of effects. Two herbs we have found have a long acting residual period are:

• Hypericum perforatum St John’s wort Acting on levels of serotonin and Dopamine.
• Vitex agnes or Chaste berry  acting on the adrenals and endocrine system.
  

 For more detail and tips on competeing using herbs contact us info@hiralabs.co.nz