Cushing’s horses

My monograph
Cushing’s in Horses my monograph and overview

Sources:
Nutritional Management of Equine Diseases and Special Cases. Bryan Waldridge, Blackwell Publishing,
2017.
A Modern Horse Herbal by Hilary Page Self
Equine Endocrine Disease: Cushings and Equine Metabolic Syndrome by Dr. Martin Furr
The role of nutritional therapy in the treatment of Equine Cushing's syndrome and laminitis. (Equine
Cushing's/Laminitis). Madalyn Ward. Alternative Medicine Review, 9/1/2001.

(LOOKING FOR) Veteran Horse Herbal by Hilary Page Self, Kenilworth Press (used paperback starts at
$60 or so. It is on my Thriftbooks wish list) Specifically tailored to older horses, detailed section on Cushing’s
treatment and the complete protocol she formulated.

Hilary Self Demystifying Herbal Supplements for horses

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIdTICqZTE0

OVERVIEW
PRONE TO:
Laminitis
Pot belly – from lack of muscle/muscle wasting
Thyroid issues
Cushing’s horses may also be insulin resistant. Watch the sugar and carbs
DIET:
low sugar, low
starch
Reduce glucose
high- fiber, low-carbohydrate
calcium:phosphorus ratio in balance in the overall diet (for most situations a 1.1:1 to 1.2:1 Ca:P ratio
Low sugar
Low starch
FEED:
Corn (25%), barley (35%), and oats (45%)
Some Alflafa BUT do not feed alfalfa alone or to overweight horse
Alfalfa hay
Alfalfa pellets
Wheat bran, especially with blue green algae or marine phytoplankton
Maybe feed?
Flaxseed and lignans - not in literature I reviewed, but worth considering
PLANT and FREE FEED grazing? - see Tilford.
If weight is needed use rice bran and/or vegetable oils
SUPPLEMENTS:
blue-green algae, kelp, apple cider vinegar, carrots, and oranges (but watch high sugar)
LOOK at GRAINS (Hilary Page Self) – see her US company, www.thehealingbarn.com
Essential K
Tribute
Senior
HERBS – see below:
Tilford
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Hilary Page Self.
Of interest, many of the herbs she recommends in her book versus the herbs in the Cushing’s
supplement she manufactures and sells are NOT the same?!?
NOTE: Chasteberry - Vitex agnus castus.
This herb lowers hormone levels. Need to get more info and take a close look at it for use in
dogs. Since coming across this herb in Hilary’s work I HAVE seen it used for dogs.
Bottom line: Chasteberry in dogs c/ Cushings merits Lit review and deep dive!!

While there is no cure for equine Cushing's, owners can manage affected animals via medication and
supportive care. The allopathic treatment of choice for equine Cushing's is oral administration of pergolide 17,
2018. Do NOT use pergolide!!!

ENDOCRINE
Says: no difference in melatonin between Cushingoid and control horses???
BUT both dopamine and serotonin are lower - which tells me there is a disruption in HPA axis.
My thoughts:
ADD the melatonin – but what dose? Found no info in the lits.
Use long photoperiod. Possible sources:
Gro light – full spectrum
Wide spectrum
Blue light - 480 – 540 nm is a possibility, I am reluctant to recommend it without data
from trials. BUT in cases of “ extremely sick/terminal/they just won’t turn around or respond “horse it would be
worth a go as part of last resort protocol: Guesstimate: blue light, 45 minutes, used between 30 and 60 minutes
before sunrise.

Interesting. They refer to Cushing’s in horses as PPID (Pineal)

Metabolic disease
Most common in older mares
Elevated hormones

HERBS for PETS the NATURAL WAY – Greg Tilford

Cushing’s Disease Herbal therapy is limited to tonic sup- port of organs and systems that are subjected to
additional stress because of the disease.
Dandelion root, burdock, garlic, and nettle are good choices for supporting an overtaxed liver and
digestive system and to help replace potassium that is lost as a result of increased urination. Adaptogenic herbs
such as Siberian ginseng or astragalus help buffer adrenal responses to stress. Kelp is especially useful for
maintaining iodine and other trace mineral levels that are essential for adrenal function.
If horse has Cushing’s disease, avoid licorice, borage leaf, and other herbs that stimulate adrenal
activity.
Tilford offers the insightful suggestion: plant what they need where they can free graze it!

POSSIBLE GRAZING PLANTS/OPTIONS

Peppermint if iron is low
Clover, red clover
Cleavers
Dandelions
Golden rod
Bilberry
Possibly
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My monograph
Burdock
Milk thistle
Nettle
Hilary Self BSc, MNIMH is a Medical Herbalist and a member of the National Institute of Medical
Herbalists. Together with her husband, they run a highly successful business – Hilton Herbs,
In 2004, Hilary was presented with an award from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists for innovative
projects in herbal medicine, in recognition of clinical trials she undertook into the application of herbs for
horses with Cushing’s disease.

From A Modern Horse Herbal, p. 72-73 by Hilary Page Self

Use kelp for the glandular system and as a rich source of mineral and vitamins, in which these horses can often
be deficient.
Nettle can be used as a source of iron and vitamin C if anemia is one of the presenting symptoms; it will also
help with the circulation and blood cleansing, which is vital if the horse has laminitis.
Rosehips, rich in vitamin C, will help repair tissue and strengthen the horse’s ability to fight infection.
Wormwood is reputed to have anti-cancerous actions. It is useful for its appetite-stimulating and tonic
properties.
Burdock, excellent for liver function, has been shown to inhibit tumour growth.
Milk thistle helps to protect the liver from toxins and support liver function, especially when it is under such
pressure from the imbalance of hormones in the blood.
Garlic is beneficial for its anti-infective qualities.
Clivers (cleavers) is useful for the lymphatic and glandular system.
Clover is traditionally used for cancerous growths, and as a general tonic
where there is debilitating disease.

Hilary’s Cush X Gold (feeding/dosing instructions are at the bottom of this document)
Ingredients: Vitex agnus castus , Milk Thistle, Bilberry, Goats Rue, Artichoke, Golden Rod & Apple Cider
Vinegar (in Cush X Gold)
The Vitex agnus castus is chasteberry: decreases the hormone levels. This is in her first book, modern horse
herbal.
Send a question to Hilton Herbs:
https://www.hiltonherbs.com/en/contact (they are in the UK)
which supplement?
Use melatonin? Flaxseed or lignans?
Diet?
In the united states, go to her sister store thehealingbarn.com
https://thehealingbarn.com/?s=cushings
Vitex plus - Vitex agnus castus seed (chasteberry), Goats Rue herb, Bilberry fruit, Artichoke leaf,
Bruised Milk Thistle seed, Golden Rod herb.
Vitex gold - Vitex Agnus castus (chasteberry), Goat’s Rue, Bilberry, Artichoke, Milk Thistle and
Golden Rod herb with Apple Cider Vinegar & Honey

herb glossary:
https://www.hiltonherbs.com/en/herb-glossary

Kelp for Cushing’s

https://www.alternativeanimal.com/the-importance-of-kelp-for-horses/
Frontier

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What are horse’s iron levels? If they are high, use peppermint tea or peppermint leaves.
Herbalist Hilary Page Self's recommended dosage is 15-20 grams (about
1/2 cup) daily. Herbalist Catherine Bird says it can be used liberally
1-2 cups daily. So...I stay somewhat in the middle.
If you’re giving other herbs, cut down on the dosage a bit. Herbs tend to potentiate each other.
https://ecir.groups.io/g/main/topic/peppermint_tea/1032665
equinecushings@yahoogroups.com

Hilton Herbs- Hilary Self’s Herb Store (in UK)

https://docplayer-fr.translate.goog/3807579-Complements-naturels-pour-animaux.html?
_x_tr_sl=fr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Hilton’s Herb’s Cush X Gold

Hilton’s herbs.com

CUSH X & CUSH X GOLD

HEALTHY, BALANCED ENDOCRINE SUPPORT

Dry & liquid herbal supplements to help maintain & support:

pituitary health & endocrine balance normal metabolic function

& temperature control
normal coat shedding

healthy energy levels

Ingredients: Vitex agnus castus , Milk Thistle, Bilberry, Goats Rue, Artichoke, Golden Rod & Apple
Cider Vinegar (in Cush X Gold)

NUTRITION
Feed
Once the digestive system is supported, high quality nutrients should be provided. The nutritional requirements
for a horse with laminitis appear to be higher than for a normal horse. In the authors' experiences, a horse with
Cushing's-based laminitis requires a high- fiber, low-carbohydrate diet. Wheat bran can be added as a source of
fiber, taking care to keep the calcium:phosphorus ratio in balance in the overall diet (for most situations a 1.1:1
to 1.2:1 Ca:P ratio). Blue-green algae can be added to bran to provide amino acids and trace minerals. Grass or
other lower protein hays can be given free choice. Some horses can tolerate an alfalfa/grass hay, especially if
more protein is needed. Generally, alfalfa should not be used alone and should not be fed to the very overweight
horse.

The feed should be low in sugar if the horse has signs of Cushing's syndrome with either altered insulin levels
or diabetes. Sweet feeds should be avoided. In humans, increased insulin levels can begin in childhood. (51)
Equine Cushing's may begin during a horse's younger years as well. Most prepared diets for foals and young
growing horses are extremely high in sugar. Although the connection between feeding high sugar diets and
Cushing's syndrome has not been proven in horses, there is a strong connection in humans between a high-sugar
diet and insulin resistance. (52)

When evaluating the feeding program, treats being given should be examined. Many owners feed treats high in
sugar, including large quantities of apples and carrots. Plain

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corn (25%), barley (35%), and oats (45%) makes a simple, clean grain mixture without sugar. Some of these
grains may not be available or useable in certain parts of the country, depending on harvest situations. Some
horses react poorly to eating oats; if that appears to be the case, barley and corn together are sufficient.

Higher levels of protein (up to 14%) and calories may be needed in underweight horses, but should not be fed to
normal or overweight horses. (53,54) Cushing's horses that are normal weight or underweight often do well on
senior diets, which are higher in protein and fat. Many chronic laminitis horses lose weight due to the stress of
walking in pain, and actually need increased amounts of feed. The practitioner often restricts feed in a laminitic
horse; however, some horses need extra calories to maintain normal physiologic functions. Increased calories
can be given as fats (vegetable oils or rice bran) and are well digested by most horses. Increasing total calories
with oils may be preferable to using high-protein feeds and hays.

It is important to supply high-quality supplements to help these horses heal. Prepared foods do not have all the
vitamins needed by a sick animal. However, formulated supplements which contain low-quality vitamins and
added fillers may actually cause the horse's system to become more out of balance. Food-source vitamin-
mineral supplements include blue-green algae, kelp, apple cider vinegar, carrots, and oranges. Several
companies manufacture additive-free equine supplements.