Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
Ulcerative lymphangitis is due to a bacterial infection that leads to erosion of tissues, particularly the pastern and fetlock areas. As such, there are nutritional supplements that will help boost the immune response and assist with healing. Antioxidants are especially important. Antioxidant Concentrate by Vita-Key is something I highly recommend.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Hi Leila,
Since you are in Ireland, the shipping would be very high. So perhaps you can find some vitamin supplement in your country that provides ample quantities of vitamins E and C, as well as other vital nutrients. Here is the link to my page where you can take a look at the product: http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/products/antioxidantconentrate.htm
It is a good idea to provide a good multiple vitamin/mineral supplement on a regular basis to fill in any gaps in the diet.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
An antioxidant preparation will boost her immune system by removing free radicals from her system. Free radicals are highly destructive molecules that make it very difficult for her to heal.
I would not recommend an herbal preparation. Herbs are drugs and may interact with each other or may not be given indefinitely. Instead, find her a complete vitamin/mineral supplement that she can be on for the rest of her life. This will be the best thing to boost her ability to heal.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
Generally, yes. Look for a high potency vitamin/mineral supplement. This will provide several antioxidants.
Let me know what you find.
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
Yes, this is a good product. It contains antioxidants along with oligosaccharides, which are very helpful for immune response. 60 Euro for 5 kg is about right for a product such as this, though it is expensive. You feed 125 grams per day, which will last you 40 days.
So, for now, I would suggest you purchase it. For the future, you might be able to find a less expensive product -- just do a little more searching for products containing oligosaccharides, along with antioxidants.
Keep me posted on how this progress.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
Yes, this condition can manifest itself elsewhere, which would indicate that the bacterial infection is systemic (throughout the body). I would suggest that in addition to the nutritional intervention, you contact your veterinarian for the correct antibiotic.
While on antibiotics, I would recommend a potent probiotic that provides billions (10 to the 9th power) CFUs (colony forming units).
Keep me posted!
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
I certainly can understand your concern if she hasn't responded to antibiotics. They are very damaging to the digestive tract since they kill the good bacteria as well as the bad, so laminitis is a real threat in this situation.
There is something that you could try. It's called Colloidal Silver. It has antibiotic and also antiviral properties without any of the dangers of colic. You can add it to her feed. It is pricey, but may just be the thing that will work.
If you have a product's website that you want me to look at, let me know.
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
Well, if you try the colloidal silver, please let me know how it worked. It is not an antibiotic as a drug -- instead it has anti-bacterial properties without the risk of developing resistant microbial strains.
If you do end up giving her traditional antibiotics, please do give her a potent probiotic -- one that has CFUs in the billions.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Leila,
A potent probiotic is one that contains large numbers of live microbials, to replace the ones lost while on antibiotics. There are many probiotics on the market, and often times, they are added to feeds and supplements. Look at the label -- it should have billions (10 to the 9th power) of CFUs (colony forming units).
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO