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
Hello Emi,
I answered your email with the same info, but for the benefit of my readers, here was my response:
I am very sorry to hear about this outbreak of strangles in your area. My approach is from a nutritional perspective, so the actual treatment is best left to your veterinarian. Not every horse that is exposed to this bacteria will come down with strangles, so your question about the immune function is quite valid. There are two products that I recommend to keep the immune system working effectively. The first, and most important, is the addition of antioxidants to the diet. PreOx at a double dose, is excellent.
The second is a product called Immusyn which contains cellular Glutathione,which is also a potent antioxidant. There is too much to write about it here, so please take a look at the description at http://gettyequinenutrition.biz/products/immusyn.htm
About strangles itself -- even after symptoms are gone, a horse can remain a carrier for a month. And the vaccine is a good idea, though it does not provide full protection. I don't know if your vet has administered antibiotics, but their use depends on the stage of the disease and if the lymph nodes have become enlarged or abscessed, antibiotics can make things worse. I'm sure your vet will advise you about this.
The organism generally dies quickly in soils, so trails should not be a problem. Here is an article that you may find helpful:
http://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/2003/Spring/strangles.shtml
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO