Pigment Problem

[_OC_]

This is on behalf of my friend and it's sending us both crazy and we need or hope for a answer,please!She owns a anglo arab with some TB in him and he is a bright chestnut(the reason I add this is cos' a friend of mine about 7 years ago who owned a anglo arab,bright chestnut, had the same problem, and it was diagnosed then and the horse was given some sort of supplement.I can't ask her as not seen her for years sort of drifted) He has over the last 6 months developed loss of pigment on his dark lips thought at first it was his bit,maybe a copper deficiency and searching the net can come up with no answers!!!Now it is spreading round under his eyes like little speckles she is going to get the vet next week.but,we have become curious as to why this is happening.I did remember at the time someone saying this can happen with this breed,but.can't be sure.The horse is 11 years old if that helps-With Thanks Me & My Cob

 

[star]

sounds like vitiligo - loss of pigment. search google for more info. nothing you can do about it though - it happens in arabs and arab crosses.

 

[shadowboy]

My friends horse had this too, and the vet said that this was actually more common than people thought, the horse has moved away to Cardiff i think so i have no idea how much pigmentation was lost. But its not contagious or of worry in terms of it is not damaging to the horse, all i remember the vet saying was to be more careful in sunlight as this skin is even more prone to sun burn. Sorry i couldnt be of more help.

 

[Santa_Claus]

My Dan has this started when he was about 7. There was a thing in H&H in the question and answers section couple weks back as Toytown has it but he has spots all over. Dan's are just around his eyes and lips.

Vet gave us a few suggestions (involved copper coins in water to oils) but as none worked and he is otherwise fine have left them be! I think they make him look rather distinguished to be honest

 

[Perissa]

I've had great success with this product

Copperplex
MINERAL DEFICIENCY??

The levels of copper found in many pastures, hay and common feedstuffs is often too low to meet daily requirements.
Copperplex has been formulated to help prevent such imbalances. Lack of copper in the diet can result in impaired muscle function, anaemia, coat depigmentation and developmental orthopaedic disease.
Copperplex is a unique combination of highly available organic and inorganic copper sources, allowing for highly efficient absorption and utilisation.
Copper deficiency can result in:
-Developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD)
-Impaired muscle function, which may restrict freedom of movement
-A compromised immune system
-Reduced synthesis of haemoglobin, which may result in anaemia
- Progressive coat depigmentation and decolouration (pale circular patches, white rings around the eyes.)
Copperplex is a unique combination of organic copper proteinates and inorganic copper sulphate providing a combination of highly available copper sources. Recent research has shown that a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds results in the greatest efficiency of copper absorbtion and correction of any deficiency.
Copperplex contains Zinc that helps promote enzyme activation and skin, hair, blood and bone development. By using a combination of organic and inorganic zinc copperplex helps ensure the vital zinc : copper ratio is maintained.
Copperplex also contains vitamin E (an anti-oxidant promoting reproductive efficiency and maintenance of muscular integrity,) and selenium (at very low levels using bio available seleno-yeast). Selenium is an anti-oxidant that works alongside vitamin E in maintaining muscle cell membrane integrity

Uses:
· For horses in training to maintain freedom of movement
· For broodmares and youngstock to maintain healthy growth and development
· For all horses and ponies in copper deficient areas where any of the indications may arise such as coat depigmentation
· Arabian horses that are particularly prone to coat depigmentation due to lack of sufficient copper.

It's £24 a tub

 

[_OC_]

Oh thank you Perrisa you little Gem!! My friend has been quite disturbed about this it's been bugging her I knew there was a supplement that could help,as she had the vet out for her boys teeth she would speak to him about it -if it helps slow the process down if anything it will help.With BIG THANK YOU'S -Me & My Cob

 

[Perissa]

You're most welcome

I've just looked at their website and it looks like they have changed its name. See

http://www.horsehealthwessex.com/copper-health-p-202.html