With extensive experience in animal health sales, strategic business development, and equine joint health, FEI-level dressage competitor Alexandra Medved serves as the national sales and global technical manager at Interpath Global, championing 4CYTE as a leading solution for advancing joint health in companion and working animals. 

The Horse (TH): Can you explain what osteoarthritis is and why early detection is so important for horse owners?

AM: Osteoarthritis is a condition of the joint that involves multiple structures within the joint. It is often caused by trauma, such as an acute injury, infection, or by wear and tear. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory process that affects joint structures including the synovial fluid, cartilage, and the joint capsule. 

It is a progressive disease, often starting many years before we, as people or animal owners, notice any overt clinical signs such as lameness or stiffness. Early detection is crucial because there is currently no cure for osteoarthritis. The best we can hope to achieve is slowing down the progression of the disease. Identifying at-risk horses and incorporating preventive care into their daily routine is key. Additionally, recognizing mild and subtle signs early allows us to take proactive steps to manage the condition before it progresses. 

TH: Many horse owners might dismiss early signs of OA as behavioral issues, such as a horse being “naughty.” What are some other common, yet misunderstood, early indicators of joint pain?

AM: We often hear people say, “Oh, he’s just being naughty,” or “He’s just a bit stiff.” As a horse owner myself, I find this frustrating because animals, especially horses, are not standing in the paddock plotting ways to misbehave during training sessions. 

As riders, we might notice reluctance in the horse to move forward, feeling like they are behind the leg. Often, inconsistency in the contact is a common sign, and people might rush to change the bit or assume there is an issue in the mouth. However, the real issue can often originate in the limbs—the horse is simply not wanting to move forward and establish that connection to the bridle. 

Resistances could show up in lateral work, or the horse might struggle to pick up a canter lead on the left because the right hind bears the weight during the canter strike-off. This could indicate discomfort in the right hock. Front-end lameness is easier to detect due to the noticeable head bobbing, whereas hind-end lameness can be more subtle, often appearing as a dip in the hip joint or irregular stride length. 

Common physical signs include heat or swelling in a joint. As owners, it is important to assess our horses’ symmetry daily. When checking our horses in the morning, we need to take a moment to look over their legs and observe any differences in limb symmetry. This can help us identify heat or swelling early, allowing for prompt attention. 

TH: Why is it crucial to start joint care early in a horse’s life, even if there are no obvious signs of OA?

AM: Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that begins with subtle joint changes, often starting at an early age. Inflammation within the synovial capsule can occur long before any clinical signs appear in the horse. Inflammatory chemicals accumulate over time, gradually affecting joint health. 

A minor strain or wear and tear in a young horse might go unnoticed, but by age 8 or 9, early signs such as occasional stiffness that improves with movement could emerge. Since there is no cure for OA, the focus should be on slowing its progression. Implementing a daily regimen that supports the horse’s ability to meet their athletic demands and enhances joint function is key. 

TH: What makes 4CYTE different from other joint supplements on the market?

AM: The active ingredient in 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte for horses is Epiitalis®, a patented plant seed oil extract from Biota orientalis. Epiitalis® is the exclusive active ingredient in 4CYTE and is backed by peer-reviewed and published studies. Many other supplements lack validated research showing their efficacy, but Interpath Global, the creator of Epiitalis®, continues to invest heavily in research and is committed to advancing joint health science. Many of our papers have been peer-reviewed—ensuring the quality of studies and outcomes—and published in prestigious medical journals, which gives consumers confidence in the product’s efficacy. 

4CYTE supports normal joint function, mobility, and flexibility in horses with conditions such as osteoarthritis. For example, a dog or horse with OA might show improvement in lameness within 14 days of receiving Epiitalis®. We also have shown clear evidence of improvement using X rays in a study with horses that had bone chips, those receiving Epiitalis® for 70 days had much better joint health than those who did not receive the supplement. 

4CYTE is suitable for long-term use and is scientifically proven to help maintain joint health and function. 

TH: Is 4CYTE suitable for all horses, from young performance horses to retired companions? How can different types of horses benefit from it?

AM: Many people assume young horses don’t need joint support products like 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte, but prevention is always better. Once we ask athletic animals to perform tasks outside their natural movement, such as dressage and show jumping, where they have to engage their hindquarters more, or reining and cutting, their joints need extra support. Even for young performance horses, providing daily joint support can help ensure they can meet the demands of their sport and have long and happy careers. 

Acute inflammation from an injury is natural, but chronic inflammation is the real concern—it can persist in the joint for years, causing lasting harm. That’s why we recommend joint support from an early age, even for younger horses. For older horses, including schoolmasters or retired competition horses, it’s equally important to ensure their comfort. Even if they’re not competing, the inflammatory process continues, as long as there’s joint damage. 

TH: How should horse owners incorporate 4CYTE into their horse’s routine? Does it work best as a preventive approach or only after clinical signs appear; what can the owner expect to see in their horses and when?

AM: When used as a supportive approach, 4CYTE Epiitalis® can easily be incorporated into a horse’s daily routine. The oral gel is a highly palatable product, though some horses might need a few days to get used to it, especially if they initially mistake it for something like a deworming product. Once they realize it’s something tasty, it’s simple to administer daily. 

For horses diagnosed with osteoarthritis, or older horses that need joint support, even if the lameness is subtle or not obvious, riders often notice their horse starts moving more freely and connecting better to the bridle, with improved push and overall movement. 

TH: Can 4CYTE be safely used alongside other joint treatments or medications?

AM: In the acute stage of joint injury or post-orthopedic-surgery, 4CYTE is suitable to use alongside other pain-relief medications. In our canine studies we tested 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte Dog alongside pharmaceuticals such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or injectable joint products in dogs with already well-managed osteoarthritis. Even with these existing treatments, adding 4CYTE to their daily regimen led to further improvements in their outcomes. 

TH: Describe a real-world success story or case study you’ve seen with horses on 4CYTE.

AM: At trade shows we often hear success stories from owners. One notable example is a couple of retired barrel racing horses that returned to competition after starting 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte. 

Another story involved a 24-year-old pony that had been calm and well-behaved for a 5-year-old rider. After starting the pony on 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte, the child fell off a couple of times, and the mom wondered if the pony was becoming too excitable. We believed the pony was likely feeling more comfortable, making him more active and forward-moving, which was a bit more than the child could handle. 

TH: Interpath Global was founded due to a lack of safe and effective long-term joint care options. How has this mission shaped the development of 4CYTE?

AM: Interpath Global was founded by Dan and Corina Bright in the mid-90s, inspired by their beloved family dog, Sasha, a Rottweiler-German Shepherd mix. Sasha began showing signs of joint pain and, at the time, the only effective option was for her to be prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). While NSAIDs work well for acute injuries, there are concerns with longer-term use. 

The Brights were driven to find a more natural, yet effective solution, leading to the discovery of Epiitalis®. Since then, they’ve invested heavily in research to understand Epiitalis®’ mode of action; recent results have been incredibly promising, offering exciting possibilities for the future. 

Osteoarthritis is an inevitable reality for many horses, but early detection and proactive care can make a lasting difference in their comfort and mobility. By recognizing subtle signs of joint pain and incorporating proven support such as 4CYTE, alongside other modalities, veterinarians and owners can work together to slow OA progression before it impacts horses’ performance and quality of life. 4CYTE offers a proactive approach to joint health, helping horses—from elite athletes to beloved companions—maintain soundness and mobility at every stage of life. The best time to act is before problems arise, making early joint care an essential investment in a horse’s future well-being. 

Newborn foals are precocious, active, and grow at an incredible rate. They can stand and gallop within a few hours of birth and gain 1–1.5 kg (2.2-3.3 lb.) per day during the first month of life. That rapid growth makes early nutrition and care especially critical—so when a broodmare dies, the tragedy deepens if her orphaned foal is not quickly placed on an effective feeding and management program that closely mimics natural nursing. With proper care, orphan foals can still successfully develop into healthy, thriving adults.

The first and most important step is getting colostrum into newborn foals within the first two hours of life. This first milk gives foals the antibodies they need to temporarily build up their immune systems to fight disease, but after 18-24 hours they can no longer absorb these antibodies.  A foal orphaned without receiving colostrum must be given colostrum from another mare, frozen colostrum or antibody-rich plasma as soon as possible, ideally within 3 – 12 hours.

Foals are dependent on a milk-based diet for the first 3 – 4 months of life.  If orphaned during this time, the short-term, emergency feeding is best addressed by feeding a well-formulated mare milk replacer. If mare milk replacer is not immediately available, choose a nonmedicated kid (goat) or multiple-species milk replacer. Other suitable options in an emergency include unmodified goat milk or low-fat cow milk (2% fat) with 20g/L of dextrose added.  Sucrose should not be used because young foals lack enzymes to digest it.

Long‐term feeding options include use of a nurse mare, induction of lactation in a parous (has foaled at least once in the past) barren mare, or hand raising with an appropriate milk replacer. Securing a substitute nurse mare is the ideal solution for raising an orphan foal. A well-fed lactating mare can effectively support two nursing foals, if the foals receive a high-quality mare-and-foal feed. The appropriate foal feed will help nutritionally support good, steady growth and accustom foals to eating dry feed.

When a suitable nurse mare is unavailable, mare’s milk replacer is necessary for orphan foals and possibly foals whose dams have low milk production. Raising a foal on milk replacer requires intensive and vigilant management. A foal’s small stomach limits how much it can eat per feeding, but hand feeding more often than every two hours isn’t practical for most owners. If high volume intakes are desired, consider an automated system or free-choice feeding. 

In one study foals orphaned from 12-24 hours postpartum reportedly grew slower in the first two weeks of life compared with mare-nursed peers, but both groups grew at similar rates from two weeks through 50 days. Foals fed 26% more than their recommended intake ate less solid food, drank less water, and experienced diarrhea earlier and for longer duration than those fed milk replacer as recommended or mare-nursed foals. High volume intakes of milk replacer appeared to prolong diarrhea. Foals fed milk replacer do not always develop diarrhea but can experience soft feces.

Diarrhea in replacer-fed foals at 1 to 2 weeks of age might or might not reflect feeding mismanagement. Maintaining accurate feed intake records on orphan foals and mixing the replacer accurately are important to success of the program. Normal growth rates occur when milk replacer and good-quality feeds are fed concurrently.

To help orphans through the tough early stages of life, review the emergency feeding program developed by the Purina Animal Nutrition Center or talk to a Purina PhD nutritionist for nutritional support.

Developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) refers to a group of conditions involving abnormal where skeletal growth in young horses and is a common concern for owners and veterinarians. Development of DOD is multifactorial, influenced by genetics, management, and nutrition. While nutritional mismanagement is a key contributor, proper nutrition can help support horses with abnormal growth or manage the risk of DOD. 

Young Horse Feeding Basics

Feeding young horses requires careful planning, starting before birth. Ensuring the mare’s optimal nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy is essential for fetal development and milk quality during lactation. Nutritional programs can be designed to support rapid vs. moderate vs. slow rates. However these decisions should be made early with few changes occurring during the early growth period. Foals should begin consuming concentrates at around 28 days old—a good rule of thumb is 1 pound of feed per month of age per day. Feeding with progressive and consistent increases in concentrate amount will allow for the desired steady growth curves associated with optimal skeletal development. Erratic changes in which an improper concentrate is fed, free-choice access is offered, or sudden changes to concentrate amount occur, can result in the unpredictable growth curves that are the hallmarks of DOD development.  

Feeding Horses With Developmental Abnormalities

Even with optimal nutrition, and more often in cases with sub optimal feeding practices, DOD commonly develops. It’s a misconception that excess calories or protein alone causes DOD.  Instead, imbalances in these and other nutrients have been linked to abnormal growth. Upon diagnosis, energy content should be evaluated, and adjustments made to avoid rapid growth. The goal should be to reduce energy consumption without restricting amino acid, vitamin, and mineral intake necessary for optimal growth.  

Ration-balancing feeds are good tools to provide nutrients when forage alone is providing the calories. If forage quality is poor or complete control of the diet is necessary, complete feed with forage built in can be used.  

In addition to energy and protein, other nutrients exist in a delicate balance and should be maintained at certain ratios to ensure optimal utilization. Calcium and phosphorus are classic examples and should remain balanced to a ratio of no less than 1:1 (2:1 being optimal). Similarly, zinc and copper must be maintained in a critical balance—around 4:1 for the complete diet. 

Take-Home Message

In conclusion, following these feeding guidelines can help reduce the risk of DOD in young horses: 

• Focus on proper nutrition during pregnancy. 

• Feed diets designed for growing horses. 

• Evaluate the entire diet, including forage quality. 

• Balance energy and protein intake. 

• Ensure optimal mineral ratios. 

• Use ration-balancing feeds when energy needs are met by forage. 

• Utilize a complete feed if forage quality is poor or otherwise necessary. 

• Reevaluate the diet as the horse’s needs change during growth and training. 

By adhering to these guidelines, the risk of developmental musculoskeletal issues can be minimized, promoting healthy growth and development. For additional information and nutritional support, request a consult with a Purina PhD equine nutritionist. 

These days it’s hard to talk about equine nutrition and not mention the term “microbiome.” But what exactly is the microbiome?

The term microbiome refers to the combined population of all the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that inhabit a specific area. The gastrointestinal microbiome of the horse is unique to every horse and dictated by a variety of factors including diet, age, metabolic status, activity level, pregnancy status, and disease state. Quickly following foaling, the microbial foundation is built along a specific blueprint that is influenced by its environment and its mother. As the foal ages, more pieces of the blueprint are filled in. Research from the Purina Animal Nutrition Center has shown that early in the life of the foal, the fecal microbiome is drastically different from that of its mother, but in a very short time, the microbial profiles are similar between mare and foal pairs.

Microbes turn feed into fuel for horses

While the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is uniquely designed to harvest essential nutrients from the diet, without the microbiome, indispensable nutrients would fail to be extracted and certain feedstuffs would pass through unused. Each segment of the horse’s GI tract (from mouth to anus) maintains a specific microbial ecology, the workhorses of the microbiome reside in the large intestine (cecum and large colon) of the horse. The microbes present there are primarily tasked with the fermentation of fiber or structural carbohydrates (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin) into short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), sometimes referred to as volatile fatty acids (VFAs). These fatty acids are utilized by the horse as an energy source and supply up to 60-70% of their basal energy requirements.

Not just about digestion

Research has shown that every part of the horse’s GI tract has a microbiome characterized by a specific population of microorganisms. As more research has been conducted, the link between the microbiome and health has become increasingly apparent. Changes in the microbiome have been linked to health issues like laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, colitis, colic, and inflammatory bowel disease. Even more surprising has been the identification of elaborate communication pathways between the host (your horse) and the microbes in its gut. This communication is evident by the role that the microbiome plays in immune function, inflammation, and even cognitive function and behavior. 

The gastrointestinal microbiome of every horse is unique to them. While unique, it is also dynamic, as the factors that drive the development of the microbiome (diet, age, metabolic status, activity level, pregnancy status, and disease state) change, so too does the relative population of the microbes that make up this diverse ecosystem. It makes sense then, that the ideal microbiome for one horse may be inappropriate for another horse. That’s why it is so important to learn as much as we can about what is normal (and abnormal) before we can expect to influence the microbiome in a meaningful way through nutrition.

Learn more about Purina’s equine microbiome research and the Purina® Microbiome Quotient® platform at mq.purinamills.com.

No matter who they are or what they do for us, often our animals need our support too, and that is why we have developed 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte. Made with our world-exclusive patented ingredient—Epiitalis®, 4CYTE is scientifically proven to enhance joint health in horses.

What is Epiitalis®? A natural, sustainably sourced, and derived from a plant seed oil high in unique fatty acids, Epiitalis® is our exclusive, patented active ingredient that is supported by world-class research and is making a big impact on the joint health industry. Epiitalis® is easily digestible and readily absorbed into the body.

How 4CYTE Epiitalis® Forte supports your horse:

• Supports normal joint function, mobility, and flexibility
• Helps maintain the health and resiliency of joints and connective tissue
• Supports normal recovery capacity post-work
• Helps maintain healthy cartilage development
• Might help address occasional gait irregularity and unwillingness to travel forward
• Supports normal movement patterns
• Helps maintain career longevity and competitive edge
• Eases joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity
• Supports ability to meet performance demands

An innovative approach to joint health made possible through research, dedication, and continued improvement; innovation, integrity, leadership, and a genuine care for our customers—these are the drivers behind what we do at 4CYTE. Interpath Global (the creators of 4CYTE) is a research and development company committed to pioneering joint health research and exploration in our field, leading us to create innovative products that drive change within our industry.

Since 2008, 4CYTE and Epiitalis® have undergone rigorous assessments to evaluate their safety and efficacy in laboratory, in vivo, and clinical trials across multiple species including dogs, horses, and humans. Many of these studies have been peer-reviewed and published in leading international journals.

One study led by Dr. Wayne McIlwraith reported a world-first, scientific breakthrough—read the study at https://www.epiq-ah.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Published-Paper-Horse.pdf.

You can use 4CYTE preventatively or for maintenance for joint care. It is safe in ponies over the age of six months, and there have been no reports of negative side effects from long-term use. It is palatable and easy to administer and has a 100% money-back guarantee for palatability. The horse formula, which is delivered orally, tastes like apples. The flavor makes resistance less likely.

Depending on the severity of the condition of the horse, clinical results can typically be seen in seven to 14 days. The dosage varies by weight, but an average cost per day is under $2.00 per horse.

To ensure they reach their full potential, your animals deserve this innovative approach to joint care that is unlike anything else on the market.

Gastric Support, Supported by Science

Few supplement companies can claim their products are backed by peer-reviewed research; SmartPak Equine is one of them. In a university-led study, researchers found that SmartPak’s SmartGut Ultra supported stomach health in horses after omeprazole was used to treat nonglandular gastric ulcers—the most common ulcer type, which occur in the squamous region of the stomach. The effectiveness of omeprazole, marketed as GastroGard, for treating gastric ulcers is well-documented.

Study horses received omeprazole for 14 days to start with a healthy stomach, then faced stress from stall confinement and rebound acid production after stopping omeprazole. Adding SmartGut Ultra to the feed helped prevent the worsening of nonglandular ulcers two weeks after stopping omeprazole and reduced the increase in gastric ulcer scores after intermittent feeding, without altering the horses’ gastric juice pH.

SmartGut Ultra contains GastrAvert®, a proprietary blend of sea buckthorn, glutamine, aloe vera, pectin, and lecithin to support stomach health and tissue healing. It also includes calcium and magnesium carbonate to help maintain normal stomach pH; marshmallow, licorice, and slippery elm to help soothe compromised digestive tract tissues; and amino acids such as glutamine to provide energy to cells and support cellular recovery.

SmartPak recognizes the value of using omeprazole and SmartGut Ultra in concert to help deter painful gastric ulcers in horses. It has partnered with Boehringer Ingelheim to offer a gastric support package at the convention.

Visit SmartPak’s booth (#427) to enter and win these gastric support packs to share with your clients!

Vcheck from Bionote USA

Bionote USA offers equine veterinarians multiple critical biomarker tests that can all be run through a single analyzer. The Vcheck V200 provides quantitative results in minutes on equine serum amyloid A (SAA), equine progesterone, and foal immunoglobulin G (IgG). Not only does this eliminate the cost of additional diagnostic equipment, but it also dramatically reduces the time required to receive test results compared to a reference lab. Space savings are an additional benefit, as the Vcheck V200’s compact design allows it to incorporate easily into any clinic or be brought into any stable.

Veterinarians looking to capitalize on these benefits can also be assured of the tests’ results. They have been verified by Bionote studies, ensuring accuracy and specificity for their clinical applications.

Equine SAA detects levels of SAA. This important biomarker is a specific indicator of inflammation from treatment, injury or an infection. Equine progesterone is often thought of as a breeding-specific test. While it can be used to monitor the estrous cycle and detect reproductive disorders, it can also be useful in detecting potential causes of behavioral issues. Foal IgG measures immunoglobulin G, an antibody foals receive from colostrum until their immune systems can produce it independently. If a veterinarian detects low levels, they can intervene with supplemental antibodies to protect the foal from infection.

In addition to these tests, Bionote is consistently working to develop more biomarker measurement solutions. Soon, even more options will be available to elevate equine care on a single analyzer that saves money, time and space.

Cooper Williams, VMD, DACVSMR, Cert. ISELP, owns Equine Sports Medicine of Maryland, serving horse owners in the Mid-Atlantic region. He focuses on diagnostics and sports medicine in equine athletes and is one of a small group of veterinarians in the world to be certified by the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology in advanced ultrasound imaging. We caught up with Williams to chat about what attendees can look forward to learning during his AAEP Convention Sunrise Session about ArthramidVet®.

Understanding ArthramidVet®

ArthramidVet® has a 15-year legacy in equine medicine in Europe; however, veterinarians in the U.S. tend to be conservative when adopting new therapies once they become available stateside. Williams was an early adopter of ArthramidVet®, a 2.5% intra- articular polyacrylamide gel (iPAAG), using it to manage joint disease in horses since it launched in the U.S. in 2020. The gel functions as a “bio-scaffold,” bonding with inflamed tissue to strengthen the joint and leading to better function of movement. Like many vets cautious about new treatments, Williams initially limited its use to severe cases in which other interventions had failed—specifically, postarthroscopy in racehorses with severe joint damage.

“They had significant degenerative changes and cartilage loss,” he explained, “but we were really pleasantly surprised by a number of those cases with these horses significantly improving and not seeing any problems as a result of using it. Then we were more confident in being able to use ArthramidVet® earlier in lots of different cases.”

As more research emerged revealing the benefits of this therapy, Williams could give clients science-based reasons to choose ArthramidVet®, particularly over steroids.

“Because I specialize in sports medicine and I’ve been doing this for a long time, my clients look to me for good advice, and they know that I tell someone what I tell them based on what I would do for my own animal,” he said.

Adding Diagnostic Imaging

But what truly guides Williams’ therapeutic recommendations for horses with joint lameness is diagnostic imaging. Because of his extensive background in ultrasound imaging, he has an intricate understanding of the cartilage and bone surfaces in equine joints—insights he will be sharing with Sunrise Session attendees.

“Ultrasound is the most accurate tool for bone surface detail,” Williams said. “Just like using sonar to map out the ocean floor, ultrasound gives you a direct view of what the bone surface looks like.”

Using ultrasound—in combination with radiographs or other imaging modalities—to visualize and evaluate the integrity of the joint structures “allows you to more fully elucidate diagnostically what’s going on in a given region, whatever joint it may be,” Williams explained. “That way, you can be more accurate about your treatment and what you may or may not be able to accomplish with that treatment. You can give the client information on the chronicity of what’s going on in that joint and give them a better idea of prognosis. It also allows you to get a really good baseline and use serial examinations to know how something evolves, devolves, or stays the same with a given case.”

When he’s teaching other veterinarians about advanced ultrasound imaging, Williams said he tries to hammer home the importance of using the diagnostic tool to its full capacity so they can get as much information as possible for themselves, their clients, and the patients. “You need an accurate, full diagnosis to be able to treat, rehab, manage, and give a prognosis,” he said.

Dec. 9 Sunrise Session

Finally, Williams emphasized the importance of taking a multimodal approach to managing horses with joint diseases like synovitis, capsulitis, and osteoarthritis. In addition to injecting the joint space with ArthramidVet® hydrogel, this includes weight management, proper hoof care and nutrition, and therapies such as underwater treadmills.

Don’t miss Dr. Williams’ presentation at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9.

Equine nutritionist, founder, and managing director of Equinutritive, Alexandra Frazer, explains how green bananas provide powerful, natural support for the equine gut.

TH: What are key clinical signs horse owners should look for that might indicate gut health issues in their horses?

AF: There’s a huge range of signs and symptoms that can appear. The most common ones really tend to be that their horse is experiencing runny droppings or loose stool. Horses’ stool frequency, color, or general consistency can be a clear indicator that there’s something up in the gut. Owners might notice things like a sudden unexplained weight loss, lack of energy, and/or a dull or lackluster coat. They may also notice sensitivity like girthiness and discomfort while being groomed around the flank area.

Nervous behaviors or growing reactivity is lesser known or appreciated but often clear sign that there could be a problem with the gut as well.

TH: What should horse owners know or look for when considering a supplement for their horses’ gut health?

AF: One of the things I find most, speaking to my own customers, is that in the market a lot of people feed products designed to help their horses. But they’re layering on a new problem.

Horse owners don’t want to be adding to the issue that they’re trying to resolve. So, choosing a supplement with quality, natural ingredients is key.

To start, it’s really important to make sure what the horse really needs is a supplement, rather than a medication. If the horse has a known gut problem, such as ulcers, it’s important to consult the veterinarian, get the medication needed, and administer it as advised.

If the horse owner looks to improve their horse’s gut health with a supplement that’s not medication or they’d like to add a supplement to complement medication, then there are quite a few things they can look for to make sure they’re getting a supplement that’s going to be really truly beneficial for the horse.

One of the first things to look for is a natural product made from natural ingredients. Stay away from ingredients difficult to pronounce or look like they’ve been produced in a lab.

Next, check the ingredients to make sure that the product doesn’t contain any flavorings, additives, or mold inhibitors. All those ingredients can wreak additional havoc on the horse’s gut. Also, make sure to avoid added sugars. Ingredients like molasses, dextrose, or maltodextrin contain additional sugar and can be hidden amongst the listed ingredients.

Consider using a supplement that is free from grains and soy because horses can be sensitive to those ingredients. Those can also cause further gut disruption.

TH: What specific benefits do green bananas provide for equine gut health? How do they support the digestive system of horses?

AF: Green bananas are an interesting feed ingredient. They’re high in resistant starch and also in pectin, which serves as prebiotics. These ingredients get into and feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, and they stimulate the growth of good bacteria. That’s really important because those bacteria make up the microbiome. The microbiome regulates the health of the entire animal. A horse’s microbiome should be nicely balanced with diverse microbes.

The resistant starch in green bananas is also effective at regulating blood sugar. It helps mitigate blood sugar spikes, making it beneficial for horses that have metabolic issues like EMS or insulin resistance. Resistant starch also helps firm up soft or runny stool. It can particularly help horses that have issues with fecal water syndrome or diarrhea.

Resistant starch is considered a dietary fiber, which is very important for the gut, as fiber is the backbone of the equine diet. Fiber is essential for the hindgut to work effectively, to ferment and function, so the majority of their diet should be made up of dietary fiber. If the gut functions as it should, the horse is on a good track for being healthy in general. So, having a high level of dietary fiber in their diet is useful.

The resistant starch also ferments quite slowly in the hindgut, meaning that there’s less gas produced when it’s broken down. Green bananas can act as a gentle source of fiber for horses prone to gassiness, helping them stay comfortable.

Vitamin Content

Green bananas also contain vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant and supports immune function. B-Complete, a 100% natural equine and canine gut health supplement made from sustainably grown dried green bananas, also contains high levels of B6, which is very good for metabolic health and for supporting the nervous system. B6 is also essential for fighting infections as well. Beyond the vitamins, other essential daily nutrients in B-Complete range from potassium and magnesium to manganese.

These are things that horses need to be taking in every day to keep their system healthy and functioning properly. It’s really nice to have this natural source of these daily nutrients, as opposed to the lab-produced forms most often included in commercial horse feeds and supplements.

TH: As a professional equine nutritionist, what are the key factors that encourage you to advocate B-Complete?

AF: Within my line of work, the approach I’ve taken through my own company and with the products I develop, is always looking for natural ingredients. The first thing about B-Complete is that it’s 100% natural. There’s nothing extra added to it. In that sense, it is quite a simple product. It really is an excellent example of allowing nature to do its thing and have its benefits.

Gut health is promoted by resistant starch. There are other sources of resistant starch that occur in nature, like lentils and some potatoes. However, they’re probably less interesting and palatable than green bananas. B-Complete is an easy way to get naturally occurring resistant starch into a horse’s diet, without high levels of sugar. This makes B-Complete suitable for all horses, even those that have metabolic problems. It’s suitable for horses that are insulin resistant, prone to laminitis or have had laminitis in the past.

TH: Have you observed any behavioral improvements in horses after incorporating green bananas into their diet, possibly related to gut-brain axis modulation?

AF: In my own business, we find that behavioral problems are the most reported issue. Those behavioral issues are often the presentation of a gut problem. The horse may not have ulcers. It might be that their feed is causing disruptions to their gut, either from the ingredients that it contains—because it’s too high in sugar—or the diet doesn’t have enough fiber.

There could be a whole range of factors causing a gut problem, often presenting as nervousness, reactivity, or excitement. It’s very common for us to recommend B-Complete to the owners of nervous horses. This helps them address the gut issue that we suspect before they reach for a calming supplement.

So often I hear horse owners trying every calming product on the market and often they don’t work because they’re not addressing the actual root cause of the problem, which is a gut issue. We definitely do see that once people start addressing the gut issue, often the behavioral issue is resolved. This is happening through the modulation of the gut-brain axis.

TH: Is there any benefit to feeding B-Complete over fresh green bananas or a human-grade banana powder?

AF: Fresh green bananas are in most parts of the world pretty common, however the big challenge is accessibility. The bananas aren’t grown out of season, and they’re only green for a very short time.

The window of opportunity to feed fresh green bananas is very limited because the bananas also must be green. If they’ve started to turn yellow, you’re feeding something completely different than a green banana. If you feed a yellow banana instead of fresh banana, and it was a little bit too far along, you’re not really getting the benefits that you would be hoping for from a fresh green banana anymore. Yellow bananas are high in sugar, so feeding a large quantity of them isn’t a good idea. It’’simportant that the bananas are at just the right stage of their development.

B-Complete is a great mixture and consistency, making feeding green bananas easy for the horse owner and palatable to the horse. My company has been selling B-Complete for a couple of years now. We have hundreds of pieces of anecdotal feedback on the benefits of it, and how it helps a variety of horses with all kinds of situations.

Whether your horses are experiencing gut health issues or you’re looking to improve their supplement program, incorporating green bananas can be a simple and natural way to support their gut health. Packed with essential fiber and nutrients, the B-Complete green banana supplement makes it easy to provide a gut boost while promoting overall well-being. By adding this easy and effective option to your horses’ nutrition plan, you’re helping ensure they feel their best, from the inside out.

Scratches, or equine pastern dermatitis, affects a variety of horses for many reasons. But one thing is certain: The sooner you identify the problem and begin treating the condition, the sooner affected areas can start healing. Sara Senn, DVM, a veterinarian at Littleton Equine Medical Center, in Colorado, recently shared her insights with us on managing scratches, from identifying clinical signs to effective treatment strategies integrating traditional methods with innovative treatments.

The Horse: What is scratches and how does it impact horses?

Senn: Scratches is a term referring to equine pastern dermatitis. This is a multifactorial (has a variety of causes) condition. It affects the back of the horse’s pastern and fetlock region. It is especially common in the hind limbs or limbs with white hair and pink skin. We often see scratches in horses with feathers such as drafts or draft crosses, but it affects any breed. Dermatitis can arise from a combination of causes, including bacterial, fungal, allergy, etc.

Typical scratches cases present as reddened, irritated, and often thickened skin along the back of the pastern and fetlock regions. The areas typically have an ulcerated appearance and can have an active yellow or crusted discharge. More severe cases commonly involve swelling of the lower limb. Horses can become lame from this condition and are usually sensitive to touch around the affected areas.

The Horse: What steps should horse owners take to treat scratches?

Senn: Traditionally, owners have focused on husbandry to promote dry environments and remove dirt and moisture from horses’ limbs. People have also used multiple types of topical medications to soothe affected areas and mitigate infection.

My approach is to clip and gently clean the affected area with a mild soap or disinfectant, removing the crusted scabs when loose and allowing the area to remain dry. I often apply an antimicrobial or soothing salve and bandage the area during acute flares, especially if significant crusting or ulceration is present. Once the scabs have softened and the inflammation has decreased, allowing the area to be open and dry is key. Frequently, horses need that daily treatment for several days or even weeks to control some cases. Sometimes antibiotics are necessary if the horse has developed secondary cellulitis or skin infection. Anti-inflammatories can also be used if there is associated lameness or discomfort of the limb. Environmental control is also crucial. I have owners keep the horse in a dry place and regularly hose or wash the limbs and allow them to dry completely before using any sort of bell boot or wrap.

The Horse: Are antibiotics needed to treat this condition?

Senn: In some cases, antimicrobials are required if the lesions aren’t responding to traditional therapy or if the horse has developed secondary cellulitis.

Antimicrobial resistance is always on our minds anytime we prescribe antibiotics to a patient. With scratches it is uncommon to see resistant infections especially if a proper diagnosis has been made. It is important that veterinarians prescribe the correct antibiotic and duration and that the owner is compliant in administering the drug.

The Horse: Which geographical regions are impacted by scratches?

Senn: We associate areas with increased humidity and mud with higher prevalence of scratches. However, we can see it anywhere, even in the dry climate where I practice in Colorado.

The Horse: How do environmental factors, such as weather and stable conditions, impact the occurrence and treatment of scratches in horses?

Senn: Scratches is fostered in large part by a prolonged moist and contaminated environment along the back of the pastern. It makes logical sense that horses’ environment largely impacts their risk of developing scratches and their ability to respond to treatment.

The Horse: What are the common mistakes horse owners make when treating scratches, and how can they avoid them?

Senn: The most common mistake I see is owners ignoring the problem. Many horses can carry on quite well for some time without developing lameness or severe sensitivity. Treatment can be cumbersome and inconvenient, so many owners choose to ignore the lesions. A low-grade case of scratches can potentially turn into a serious infection of the skin that becomes very difficult to treat. Another common mistake is stopping treatment too early. If the lameness has improved but lesions are still present, it is not time to stop. It is important to continue treatment until the lesions have resolved.

The Horse: What are the primary benefits of using Silver Honey^® Rapid Skin Relief Vet Strength Scratches Spray for treating scratches in horses?

Senn: Silver Honey combines many ingredients that veterinarians use regularly for topical wound management treatment. The use of silver and manuka honey has been proven repeatedly to be effective antimicrobially and can also be effective against certain fungi. It provides soothing protection for the skin while clearing local infection. It is easy to apply, and horses tolerate it very well.

The Horse: How quickly can horse owners expect to see results when using Silver Honey on their horses?

Senn: Typically, I tell owners to expect a response within the first two to three days. However, this can be very case-dependent.

While you might not be able to prevent your horse from getting scratches entirely, with Senn’s advice and a good treatment plan using innovative treatments such as Silver Honey^® Rapid Skin Relief Vet Strength Scratches Spray, you will be able to manage your horse’s condition effectively and treat cases within weeks.

Like many aspects of veterinary medicine, new technologies and treatments typically catch on in the small animal realm before moving over to equine. Such has been the case with Vetscan Imagyst, a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that uses artificial intelligence to deliver fast, accurate results for a variety of tests.¹ 

Doug Anez, DVM, founder of Pacific Crest Equine, in California’s San Joaquin Valley, integrated the technology into his practice’s wellness program for fecal egg count testing after his wife, Kelly Anez, DVM, found success with it at Pacific Crest Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital. Her team had been using Vetscan Imagyst primarily for ear cytology and fine needle aspirates in small animals. When equine fecal egg counts came available for the tool in spring 2023, Doug Anez’s staff tried it and were blown away with the results.  

“We like to be on the forefront of the latest technologies from both medical and business aspects of practice,” he said. “Small animal brought (Vetscan Imagyst) on, and now we’re both benefiting from it. This was one of those things that is a no-brainer in my opinion.” 

Fecal Egg Count Testing Accuracy and Consistency in Horses 

Consistent analysis and accuracy of results are the biggest benefits Vetscan Imagyst has brought to Pacific Crest Equine’s fecal egg count testing process, said Anez. It eliminates the potential for human error when reading slides, creates efficiencies, and saves time, which is crucial with a busy staff schedule. Veterinary technicians simply place up to two slides on the device’s tray, and within 10 minutes the scan is complete and they can review the results. They can then choose which images to include in the PDF report to the client. 

“The technicians can multitask when they put the samples in the machine,” Anez explained. “While it’s reading, they can do other things or get more samples ready.” Pacific Crest Equine is now using Vetscan Imagyst daily, often completing batches of 30 or more fecal egg count tests in a single day. 

One of Vetscan Imagyst’s key features is the tele-cytology option to have a board-certified clinical pathologist examine slides remotely within just two hours. While most equine fecals don’t require a pathologist’s interpretation—making results even faster—“if we do have concerns, we can send it out and have them review it. It’s been great in that respect, and the support has been fantastic,” said Anez.  

Parasite Egg Images Lead to Horse Owner Compliance 

Pacific Crest Equine has promoted strategic deworming based on fecal egg count results for nearly 30 years to their clients. It’s also a core part of their wellness program. Consequently, Anez’s team has collected a considerable amount of historical data to compare with Vetscan Imagyst results. “The scans have been consistent with our norm, so I feel really confident with it,” he said. 

“I also think it gives great client value because we send them the report that has the images (of the parasite eggs) on it,” he added. “And pictures are worth a thousand words, so we get better compliance” with parasite control recommendations. 

Soon, Anez says his team plans to use Vetscan Imagyst to interpret broodmares’ endometrial cytology results. The platform’s other testing capabilities include dermatology, hematology, and urine sediment analysis for small animals. “I think there are a lot more avenues for use in our practice,” said Anez. 

Further Reading  

Vetscan Imagyst: Benefits to Vets, Techs, Horses and Owners. Vetscan Imagyst gives veterinarians a straight line to a clinical pathologist available 24 hours a day who can quickly provide interpretation of cytology samples.  

Vetscan Imagyst: Mixed Practice, Positive Results. The team leader at Adobe Veterinary Center in Arizona helps us understand how they have incorporated Vetscan Imagyst into their mixed animal practice. 

Editor’s note: For more information about Vetscan Imagyst, visit https://www.vetscanimagyst.com/equine/ or talk to your Zoetis representative. 

1. Zoetis Data on File: DHX6Z-US-22-131. 2022.

Abby Keegan, MS, PAS, an equine nutritionist for Cargill North America, will present considerations for designing appropriate diets for horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and how newly FDA-approved chromium might be beneficial. She’ll also share real-world example diets.

About the Expert:

Showing, training, traveling, or even lifestyle changes can put your horse under stress that risks his health. The right nutritional choices can support his immune system, GI tract, and overall well-being. Learn how.

About the Expert:

Abby Keegan, MS, PAS, is an equine nutritionist for Cargill North America. With more than 16 years professional experience, Keegan enjoys connecting research and development with real-world application, creating new products, services and solutions that support improving the health of the horse. Keegan is passionate about educating horse owners and veterinarians on equine nutrition, she has trained many consultants and taught continuing education courses for equine veterinarians across the United States. Keegan received her BS in Animal Science from Iowa State University, MS from Kansas State University, and also holds an ARPAS equine certification. Her roots run deep in agriculture as she grew up on a farm raising cattle and crops, showing livestock and horses, and continues that tradition today with her husband and two sons.