As an owner of quarter and paint horses with unpigmented legs, including one with an autoimmune disease, I am always on the lookout for unwelcome plants, sun, and insects that could lead to skin problems. I do my utmost to keep pastures, stalls, feed, and horses in the best possible condition.
My mare Myran has always been extra sensitive to the sun and suffered from flaky skin on her legs during summertime, so in the fall of 2023, I visited Kerstin Bergvall (a specialist in skin health), where we took extended blood tests with no abnormal findings.
A couple of months later, after using bell boots with sheepskin lining, small abrasions appeared on both front legs at the fetlocks. This quickly developed into significant skin issues similar to mud fever that spread rapidly up the legs. The legs swelled, and we took additional tests which were analyzed in the lab. The result was nothing unusual; we found common bacteria and streptococci that were within the normal range.
The skin problems were treated in consultation with the vet using penicillin, salicylic acid vaseline, alcohol gel, daily washes with hibiscrub, bandages, pads, cortisone, and antibiotic ointment. There were a few emergency visits to Mälarens Horse Clinic (in addition to our scheduled visits) since it was impossible to approach her legs despite using sedatives.
The treatment continued until the skin eventually fell off.
In further consultation with the vet, I continued with a milder treatment and increased the dose of cortisone. I spent 4-6 hours straight daily caring for her legs, and the rest of the time, my thoughts were occupied with trying to find a new treatment, a new ointment, or a new answer.
The questions grew; how long should I go on? - What’s my limit? - Should I give up - Shall I put her to sleep?
The only thing I could talk about were all my theories and latest progress, hoping to get some input that would lead me forward towards new answers. My horse was suffering – and so was I.
It was here that a good friend posted on social media about a product he had started selling and was reaching out to all his horse-owning friends. Sure, send me whatever you've found, I'll try anything!
I got the number to Ola, who started and runs VendilCare. One call later, and Ola comes over with 10kg of VendilCare Cura (Zeolite) and VendilCare Sana wound powder.
I began treating the cause (internally) with 2 dl of VendilCare Cura in the feed and the symptoms (externally) with VendilCare Sana wound powder, which I applied to the legs daily. I did this in combination with phasing out the cortisone instead of increasing the dosage as advised.
Already in the first week, I saw results as she did not get worse without cortisone. A few weeks later, with only one leg wash per week with mild shampoo and daily treatment with Zeolite, the scabs began to fall off, fur started to grow back, and the wounds began to heal.
Zeolite is not medicine and maybe I shouldn't call anything a miracle cure, but it was exactly what my mare needed. I do not advise anyone to discontinue cortisone treatment and go against the veterinarian's advice.
I now have a fully healthy mare who is completely recovered and can go outside when it rains. She has also been able to graze in the sun without any signs of skin problems.
After this experience, we are thankful to be able to add Zeolite in our product line. We offer Zeolite in 10kg packages for feeding and 70 grams Wound Powder via our webshop www.equnique.se for home delivery or pick-up in northern Stockholm from our horse farm, Uddens Sjögård.
What is Zeolite and Clinoptilolite?
• Zeolite is a group name for a class of minerals, where the composition varies.
Clinoptilolite is the active mineral, the percentage indicates purity (min 80% in
VendilCare CURA).
• Fully certified, origin Manisa in Turkey.
• The mineral is extracted directly from open-pit mines of volcanically solidified foam.
• Discovered in 1756 by the Swedish geologist Anders Cronstedt.
• Clear effects on production animals regarding growth and well-being.
• Well-proven, widely used in many parts of the world in, e.g., dog and cat food such as
Royal Canin, Brit VD, and Specific.
• Used for horses for a long time in the U.K, USA, and Australia.
• Listed as the most common detox in the USA for humans.
Zeolite is known for its ability to effectively absorb harmful substances. For example, after the successful use of zeolite as a decontamination material following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the area was covered via helicopter with 500,000 tons of clinoptilolite zeolite.
What Does Zeolite Do?
• Binds and removes burdening toxins.
• Helps to improve the horse's immune system.
• Binds, among other things, toxins from mold, parasites, bacteria, and heavy metals, and removes them from the body.
• Does not bind vitamins or medicinal preparations as these consist of larger molecules that cannot bind to the mineral.
• Improves nutrient and energy absorption.
• Reduces the smell of manure.
• No withdrawal period as it is a PURE mineral that does not enter the bloodstream.
How Can Zeolite Improve Horse Health and Well-Being?
1. **Detoxification**: Zeolites have a strong ability to bind to heavy metals, toxins, and ammonia in horses' gastrointestinal tracts, reducing the burden on the liver and increasing overall well-being. Reducing the load of toxins and heavy metals allows for better nutrient absorption from feed.
2. **Improved Digestion**: By absorbing harmful substances and contributing to a balanced gut flora, zeolite can improve digestion and nutrient uptake in horses.
3. **Immune System**: Regular use of zeolite can strengthen horses' immune systems by removing harmful substances and improving nutrient absorption, resulting in a more robust health status.
4. **Increased Energy Levels**: With the removal of toxins, the body's energy resources are better utilized, potentially leading to increased energy and improved performance.
5. **Skin and Coat Care**: Zeolite can help improve horses' skin and coats by supporting detoxification and mineral balance, benefiting the structure and appearance of their skin and coat.