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A herbal approach to managing Metabolic Syndrome, Cushing’s and Laminitis - McDowell's Herbal Treatments

When reading conventional literature on Cushing’s and Metabolic syndrome, one is led to believe that there is very little one can do. At best you are treating the symptoms, and at worst you are adding to underlying causal factors.
From a herbalists perspective, I see these conditions as being not only easily managed, but also successfully corrected. I have had so much personal success with these conditions now that I am surprised by those who are so pessimistic by the diagnosis!

Equine Cushing's disease

Equine Cushing's disease ( also known as Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID) is caused by a tumour in the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the production and regulation of hormones. While the tumour itself is benign, the cells within the tumour produce excess hormones, creating an imbalance in the horse's endocrine system. Dysfunction of the pars media results in the increased levels of several hormones including the ACTH (adrenocorticotropin) which is the stimulator for the adrenal hormone cortisol.

Cushing's disease is most common in horses over 20 years old, although it has been known to occur in horses as young as seven year old. It is equally prevalent in both genders and is found more often in Morgans than in any other breed. Ponies may also have a slightly higher predisposition.

The most notable symptom of Cushing's disease is the growth of a long, shaggy, coat of hair. This irregularly long and sometimes coarse wavy hair often persists throughout summer months and is a critical signal that a horse may have Cushing's disease. This may be accompanied by sweating and flaking of skin.

Other symptoms are caused by the hormonal imbalance in the adrenal gland. These symptoms include excessive drinking, an affected horse may drink as much as 80 litres of water a day (as opposed to an average 20 - 30 litres), and urination, laminitis, a tendency for recurring infections in the hoof . There may be a development of a swayback stance and a pot belly along with increased appetite usually with no accompanying weight gain. A filling above the eyes caused by the deposition of fat, normally, you can see a depression above the horse's eye. The immune system becomes compromised which gives rise to a host of conditions/diseases which are often passed off as old age. These include respiratory disease, skin infections, abscesses of the foot, mouth ulcers, and periodontal disease. Overall there is a depressed, sick-looking appearance with dull eyes and drab coat.

The link between Cushing’s Disease and laminitis is not fully understood, however, it is considered that the high levels of circulation cortisol and cortisol like hormones play a major role in the development of Laminitis, as it may with the metabolic syndrome known as insulin resistance.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Insulin resistance is the reduction in the horse’s ability to respond appropriately to the hormone Insulin. Insulin is a hormone which plays a key role in the regulation of blood glucose levels. In addition to its role in controlling blood sugar levels, insulin is also involved in the storage of fat. Ponies or horses that are “good doers” are examples of this, carrying heavy thick crests and fatty deposits over the body. High levels of adipose tissue cause systemic inflammatory process which create neuro-endocrine feedback loops that perpetuate the metabolic imbalance.

Processed feeds and unnatural living conditions are the reason behind the increase in this syndrome amongst  our modern equine population, much like people living in high density housing and eating Fast Food.

Balancing the Hypothalamus, Thyroid and Adrenal axis.

A key factor in treating these syndromes is to understand the neruoendocrione system and the role that it plays in homeostasis. Once you understand this, it’s simply a matter of using herbs specific to these systems, and feed a whole food natural diet that is anti inflammatory at its core.

Typically a 12 week herbal program would look like this:

  • Blood detoxifying herbs - to clean adipose tissue and the blood stream from excess hormones and inflammation. If you have been following my articles you will find reference to blood detoxifiers in Baroque Horse International magazine issue 22

Burdock, Red Clover, Garlic, and Fenugreek are what I commonly use

  • Neuro-endocrine support - Combinations of herbs that support the Hypothalamus , Thyroid and Adrenal axis are used to ensure balance. Even though the pituitary is the problem in Cushing’s, supporting the master gland is essential when balancing the endocrine system, in particular the hypothalumus. . Nourishing the nerve plexus associated with the endocrine system is also advised. See previous Baroque horse magazine issue 23 on more nervous system herbs.

Withania, Borage, Blue Flag, Phytolacca, Chamomile, Chaste Tree and Mugwort

  • Supporting the Metabolic Partners – making sure that the liver and kidneys are functioning well is simply common sense. Herbs that can be fed regularly:

Dandelion, St Marys Thistle,  Buchu and Rosehips

Circadian Rhythms and Entrainment

An interesting factor of these syndromes is the impact of negative stress  and daylight hours. It’s important to understand that horses most susceptible to these conditions can have the following profile: Stabled under lights.

This treatment of our horses is very disturbing to their hormones and as part of management and restoration of the metabolism and the Hypothalemic-Immune System-NeuroEndocrine Axis is to ensure that your horse is not stabled or kept under lights.

In order for the Hypothalemic-Immune System-NeuroEndocrine Axis to entrain (that is, start to work as it should in balance) the natural circadian rhythms of your horse must be respected.

Keep him with other horses, running around naturally.

Of course, managing chronic cases of laminitis and the syndromes requires very specific and individualised day to day management. Discussing your case with me personally is advised.

Have a question? Contact McDowell's Herbal Treatments

McDowell's staff Herbalists can not diagnose your disease or illness. What they can do is offer a herbal program to assist with healing, after you have had advice from your doctor or specialist. If you have unexplained pain or symptoms, seek medical advice.

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