Boost immune system... how?

[short strided]

One of my horses is generally slow to heal. Recently, a scrape on his back leg turned into a raging case of cellulitis, for which he is still being treated.

I am wondering what I can do to boost his immune system. There are many different supplements out there and I would like to know what has worked for you.

I am going to ask my vet as well. Won't be too hard, as he is still coming out to give Naxcel injections... every day.:sadsmile:

[BornToRide]

Generally adding anti oxidents and making sure the horse gets adequate minerals while also ensuring that the gut can function optimally.

Slow wound healing can also be a sign of IR and/or Cushings .

[short strided]

Thanks! That's kind of what I thought. I already added GUT to his Smartpak for this month and think I might give Smart Protect Ultra a shot.

I looked up info on IR/Cushings, and while I don't *think* that's the issue, I will definitely discuss it with my vet.

[BostonBanker]

I did not use it for the purpose of boosting his immune system, but had amazing success fixing my horse's anorexia using Re-Borne. Since immune health is another of it's listed benefits, I would certainly recommend trying it. I can't say enough about how much it helped my horse.

[Seven]

In addition to the above my vet(s) have recommended additional lysine and daily dewormer (for optimal gut efficiency).

[poopoo]

Try Equistim injections.

[Blinkers On]

Second the Equistim

[smid2]

We have a horse out at my barn that seems to have a weak immune system. His owner gives him something called Transfer Factor. It seems to be really helping him out.

http://www.immune-system-iq.com/images/performance&show.pdf

[JB]

An injectible immune stimulant is the last thing I would try (not that I wouldn't, it would literally be last on my list). I'd want to evaluate the diet first, because I've seen many times right here on this board, other boards, and several cases of my own, where simply putting the diet where it needs to be, which is often above where an owner thinks is "just fine", and the problems go away. Scratches, rain rot, slow healing wounds, regular snots, etc. Copper is a big one, as it has a fairly significant role in the immune system.

That said, I agree, that slow-to-heal wounds, on a regular basis, are often a sign of something like Cushing's. I am pretty sure, though not positive, it can also be a sign of IR (which again would be addressed through the diet ;)).

[EqTrainer]

I agree w/JB and would be very hesitant to try to influence an immune system in any way other than enabling it to function properly.

Proper deworming, lowering stress, a proper diet, minimal vaccinations and corticosteroid injections - these things should allow the immune system to regulate itself. It's always best to look at the whole horse.

[short strided]

Well, he has been dewormed thoroughly as a result of the onchocerca thread. I did the EM double doses and continued with single doses of ivermectin for one month. He was rubbing himself raw at one point and now we are itch free!

He is only 6 and I was under the impression that Cushings was extremely rare in younger horses. Is IR prevalent in the young ones?

I totally agree about the diet issue. I do not have my horses at home, so they eat what the barn feeds. It was Pure Pride 100, but I think they may be getting 200 now, with hay. Someone was kind enough to post the 100 ingredients for me. They were pretty vague and didn't really sound too appetizing.

I have been thinking about the feed question for a few weeks now and how best to address it. The BO will certainly accommodate a feed change if I request it, even though it will be a pain for her to implement. I already have a reputation as the anal boarder with high maintenance horses. I suppose it will live on!:lol:

[grayarabpony]

I'd look at lysine/ copper/ selenium/ vit A and E intake.

[JB]

Well, he has been dewormed thoroughly as a result of the onchocerca thread. I did the EM double doses and continued with single doses of ivermectin for one month. He was rubbing himself raw at one point and now we are itch free!
One problem down! If this was recent, you may see an increase in his immune response as well.

He is only 6 and I was under the impression that Cushings was extremely rare in younger horses. Is IR prevalent in the young ones?
Cushing's is rare in young horses. I wouldn't call IR prevalent in young ones, but IR does not tend to follow the age thing that Cushing's does. Certain breeds are predisposed, making age a non-issue. Long-term high-sugar diets can bring about IR, which tends to mean an older horse.

I totally agree about the diet issue. I do not have my horses at home, so they eat what the barn feeds. It was Pure Pride 100, but I think they may be getting 200 now, with hay. Someone was kind enough to post the 100 ingredients for me. They were pretty vague and didn't really sound too appetizing.

Doesn't sound too healthy :(

I have been thinking about the feed question for a few weeks now and how best to address it. The BO will certainly accommodate a feed change if I request it, even though it will be a pain for her to implement. I already have a reputation as the anal boarder with high maintenance horses. I suppose it will live on!:lol:
It doesn't have to be a pita to implement a new feed for your horse :) You provide a trash can with your stuff in it, indicate "2 scoops" or whatever, and if you choose to add supplements, tupperware-type containers with days (and am or pm if appropriate) marked on them can make it really convenient for anyone to feed for you.

[short strided]

He is a TB. Are they on the IR predisposed list?

I will have to see what I can find at the local feed stores. There are only 2 and I don't really know what they have to offer.

What brands should I look for that may be of a higher quality?

[BornToRide]

They have a lower risk of being affected, but they can also be affected.

[grayarabpony]

I would suspect some other deficiency before looking at IR in a young TB.

[JB]

I would suspect some other deficiency before looking at IR in a young TB.

Yep.

Come back with what brands and specific products you have available. Include any vitamin/mineral supplement, and any ration/diet balancers. Include whether you have oats, alfalfa pellets, beet pulp, and/or rice bran as options :)

[EqTrainer]

Unless... it is an OTTB.

Then there could be a number of reasons a young TB is IR.

[Alpha Mare]

I have had good experience with Immunol to support/boost the immune system for my IR mare. She is 1/2 TB and has been IR since about age 8. Diet, exercise, stress as others mention are all contributors. The Immunol seems to have given her the best (normal) bloodwork in several years.

[short strided]

Yep.

Come back with what brands and specific products you have available. Include any vitamin/mineral supplement, and any ration/diet balancers. Include whether you have oats, alfalfa pellets, beet pulp, and/or rice bran as options :)

I will see what I can find out and report back.

Yes, he is an OTTB. He raced twice as a two year old and was sold to an h/j trainer at 3.

Thanks for the help guys!

[El Tovar]

is the BEST way to boost an immune system. kvvet.com has it.

[Janet]

Music is on Vit C (daily) and Levamazole (monthly).

[short strided]

Forgot to mention... He does have an enlarged thyroid. It has been that way for the entire 7 months that I have owned him. The vet has never been concerned about it. I mentioned it to him again today and he just said to watch it for any changes.

[short strided]

Yep.

Come back with what brands and specific products you have available. Include any vitamin/mineral supplement, and any ration/diet balancers. Include whether you have oats, alfalfa pellets, beet pulp, and/or rice bran as options :)

OK, finally have this info. The local feed stores have Purina and Nutrena. They also have oats, alfalfa pellets, beet pulp and rice bran. I can certainly order anything I can reasonably afford over the internet. I think feed would be cost prohibitive to ship, but less bulky items are a go.

[aburke]

One of my horses is generally slow to heal. Recently, a scrape on his back leg turned into a raging case of cellulitis, for which he is still being treated.

I am wondering what I can do to boost his immune system. There are many different supplements out there and I would like to know what has worked for you.

I am going to ask my vet as well. Won't be too hard, as he is still coming out to give Naxcel injections... every day.:sadsmile:


I would start the horse on Re-Borne if I were you. It is 100% sterile bovine colostrum. You can top dress it on the feed or squirt it right into the mouth whichever is preferred. It is the best that I have seen as far as boosting immune support. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. The first thing that any living mammal receives at birth is their mother's colostrum, that is what gets their immune system started. I had a horse with scratches that I started on it and within 3 days he had blown most of his hair coat and new hair was starting to come back shinier and slicker than ever. Also during this time I noticed that he was putting on lean muscle mass and had increased endurance.... I can't say enough about this product.