Lami & Cinnamon Powder

[BlackVelvet]

My horse has recently recovered from a mild bout of lami brought on by IR, since then we have completely changed his routine to hopefully prevent this happening again,
He is a stocky ID, he is never going to be a small framed lad as he is 'big boned' shall we say, He now goes out in his 'sarvation' paddock for 3-4 hours a day, goes on the horse walker daily etc,

Has anyone feed cinnamon powder and found it successful for weight loss? Mine has been on this for about 5 weeks and i have noticed a weight loss, but cant say whether i would put this down to the powder or the other changes we have made? Does anyone else have experience of using cinnamon?
Obviously I am aware that a feed suppiment isnt an easy fix but im happy to continue feeding it if it helps,

 

[Cuffey]

No personal experience

Do join http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheMetabolicHorse/
and google cinnamon--seems to come up with no proof that it helps

 

[canteron]

Ugh, I used it on my lami horse and it had no impact at all, apart from after a few weeks I began to hate the smell and the horse wouldn't eat its food.

IMO, there is more chance of magnesium oxide helping as a deficiency definitely has a physical impact ....... have you had your horse tested for Cushings. Since being on Prascend for the first time in many years the crest has definately softened and reduced (obviously used alongside sensible horse management).

 

[tallyho!]

No evidence for cinnamon for weight loss...

You would be better off with sorting his metabolic issues and mineral deficiencies aswell as regular exercise.

 

[dalidaydream]

Well no scientific evidence but I've had my pony on cinammon powder for about 3 months now and not only has he completely lost the footiness he had but yes he has lost weight and is delighted that he can now have extra rations. I don't know for certain but I can only think it is due to the cinammon.

 

[rosie-ellie]

I use cinnamon and its helped my mares weight loss!
Im going to reduce or cut it out now because she doesnt need to loose anymore any put her back on it when spring comes.
What works for one wont work for another so try it and see if it works for you
I got mine from http://www.naturalhorsesupplies.co.uk/p/product/0910221204-Cinnamon++900g++%A3599/

 

[BlackVelvet]

No evidence for cinnamon for weight loss...

You would be better off with sorting his metabolic issues and mineral deficiencies aswell as regular exercise.

I have worked along side my vet with this so I am not using it as a 'quick fix' I am just looking for a way of helping him out without having to continue him on metformin for the rest of his life. As for the exercise issue, he has been on 6 months box rest so is obviously very unfit and I am taking it slow with him to avoid any damage so having something that can lower blood sugar will help him massively.

He was also tested for cushings which was negative.

It was interesting to read all of your replies as soon people recommend it highly and others not so much. I can happly say that mine has lost weight and *touches wood* is doing really well

 

[Ladyinred]

I do know that we used a slimming feed for horses (name by PM only!) that worked and which smelled very strongly of cinnamon. Due to the price we discontinued the product but carried on feeding two lammi prone horses cinnamon.. they have never -touch wood - had another attack. I know that it boosts circulation which can only be good for laminitis.

 

[Oberon]

I remember cinnamon being recommended a few years ago but not so much now. I am also interested to know why.

I've posted a question about it on the Cushings and IR Yahoo Group.

I'll let you know when I get a response.

 

[ruth83]

Cinammon is recommended for diabetics (human) as there has been evidence (I haven't looked hard enough to say whether it is strong anecdotal or proven scientific) that it helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
This would tie in with those who have noticed an improvement in footiness and laminitis issues.
Cinammon itself will not induce weight loss but may help with issues where blood sugar and weight gain are linked, eg EPSM, lammi and possibly cushings.

 

[Oberon]

This is the gist of the replies I've had to my enquiry...

"IR or Cushings horses generally have a problem with elevated insulin, but normal glucose levels. It has been found that the cinnamon can lower the glucose, but doesn't affect the insulin, so it's not much help, and can even be counter-productive (glucose too low). Seemed like a good idea at the time, but has been proved not so good!

In the occasional case where blood glucose us too high, temporary use of cinnamon might help. (but proper diagnosis and diet are paramount)".

 

[OWLIE185]

In many cases it is more than one thing that triggers off Laminitis.
It is important to regularly worm your horse for emerging small encystedred worms as these can cause an infection that initiates Laminitis. (They will not show up in a worm count only a blood test).
I have also found that Formula4Feet which was developed by Robert Eustace the vet that specialises in Laminitis is good.

 

[BlackVelvet]

Thank you Oberon,

Finding that people have such different opinions on whether it has any benefit or not,

Personally I would recommend it, along with proper stable management and exercise obviously.

 

[dalidaydream]

In many cases it is more than one thing that triggers off Laminitis.
It is important to regularly worm your horse for emerging small encystedred worms as these can cause an infection that initiates Laminitis. (They will not show up in a worm count only a blood test).
I have also found that Formula4Feet which was developed by Robert Eustace the vet that specialises in Laminitis is good.

How regularly would you worm? My vet has just told me I only need to do it once a year as long as the worm counts are 0 (which they are). Now you've worried me that I need to do it more often - I'm confused.