Turmeric has anyone tried it on their horse?

[minwood]

Hi I have been recommended to use turmeric on my copd pony has anyone tried it and what did you think? Just concerned as read it can make them fizzy ( all I need) but that is supposed to be them feeling better in themselves :-/ thanks!

 

[YasandCrystal]

I am using it on all of mine. Yes the old mare has become a rocket, but to me that is a fab result because it means that she is feeling so much better in herself. I expect that she will settle down once she realises that this painfree youthful feeling will stay with her.

It's like the old argumet - you buy a horse in 'poor' condition - you feed it up and worm it and it becomes 'Red Rum' and you then realise why it was kept so 'poor'. The question is would you rather your pony comfortable and a bit lively or to continue with their copd and the restrictions that places on them?
It's worth trying - you can always take the pony off it if you have to, but I would say perservere for a month.

 

[Meems]

I'm just about to jump on the turmeric bandwagon, I ordered a bag and it has just arrived in the post. Can anyone please advise as to how much I should feed to start with? My horse is a 15.1hh cob cross (if that makes any difference). Also should I be adding ground pepper to it, as I read on another thread?? She is fed Linseed oil anyway and I gather you're meant to add oil to it.

Many thanks.

 

[YasandCrystal]

I'm just about to jump on the turmeric bandwagon, I ordered a bag and it has just arrived in the post. Can anyone please advise as to how much I should feed to start with? My horse is a 15.1hh cob cross (if that makes any difference). Also should I be adding ground pepper to it, as I read on another thread?? She is fed Linseed oil anyway and I gather you're meant to add oil to it.

Many thanks.

If you feed micronised linseed there is no need for any further oil to be added. I feed a heaped 20ml measure twice daily to mine and 9 twists of freshly ground black pepper.

If you join the facebook turmeric user group there is some great information in the Files section. It is suggested that you start by feeding a teaspoon and then you can increase the amount. I confess I started with a 20ml scoop twice daily and within a week started heaping it. It's great stuff. I am taking tablets myself now also.

 

[Meems]

If you feed micronised linseed there is no need for any further oil to be added. I feed a heaped 20ml measure twice daily to mine and 9 twists of freshly ground black pepper.

If you join the facebook turmeric user group there is some great information in the Files section. It is suggested that you start by feeding a teaspoon and then you can increase the amount. I confess I started with a 20ml scoop twice daily and within a week started heaping it. It's great stuff. I am taking tablets myself now also.

Thanks, I'm quite excited by it (how sad am I!!). I've been feeding Equiflex for a few years now which is OK, but just thought I'd give it a try as I keep hearing such good reviews.

 

[pines of rome]

Yes, I have joined the FB group and Have started using it, just adding a teaspoon in each feed
with the pepper and linseed, I will see how he goes and add more when he gets used to it! Bit worried about him feeling to good though as I already have to give him a calmer, as he can be such a silly spooky twit out on the road!!!!

 

[Shadrid]

I have been using it for 3 weeks on my 17 year old cob mare. Started off with one heaped teaspoon as she is also on Cosequine and half sachet of Danilon per day but have just increased to two heaped teaspoons. Since the increase I have noticed that she is much perkier and although not ridden atm I am having to watch her ground manners as she has always been quite an opinionated mare!

However I'm also doing clicker training with her which she is responding to really well and will hopefully counteract any 'over enthusiasm' if in fact the turmeric is doing the trick and making her feel better (which is great!).

I may have to experiment with dosage and a period without either or both of the above supplements because there is no point stuffing her with things she doesn't need.

She gets very itchy in the summer as well so time will tell if this improves with the turmeric.

Would also advise joining the FB group.
x

 

[Bertolie]

My 20 year old gelding has been on it for a few months and I can see a change. He has low grade bilateral hock arthritis and is definitely perkier. His winter coat is usually quite dull but its lovely and shiny this year as well! I feed 2 x 10ml scoops per day with a glug of olive oil and fresh ground black pepper.

And I agree that it doesn't fizz them up just makes them feel better

 

[Regandal]

I'm giving it to both mine. My old lad was recently diagnosed with arthritis in both hocks, and has been on daily danilon for a few months. Started the turmeric about a month ago, and the difference is literally jaw dropping. I've got my horse back. Which makes me wonder just how much pain/discomfort he was in, they are so generous and stoic. He's on a heaped tablespoon twice daily. I also take it for painful joints and cannot believe the difference. Good grief I sound like a salesman!

 

[Megibo]

No but I am about to start mine on it

Hoping it does something for my welshies sweet itch too.

 

[Joanne4584]

Where do you get it from? I'm looking into using something for my arthritic gelding. He's just been retired with kissing spine and I'd rather try something like that than sticking him on bute.

 

[Ashgrove]

I started both my boys on it today

Horse one, a 16 year old Standard bred ex racer with joints that need a bit of help.

Horse two, a 7 year old appaloosa with itchy skin.

Really looking forward to seeing the results

 

[minwood]

You can get it from most supermarkets and from Indian shops! I need to try it really regardless of how she may react otherwise I fear we will lose her as she's heaving more now than she did do, she's only 10 . That Facebook page for turmeric users has brill advice!

 

[MrsNorris]

Have also started mine on it today to help with stiffness behind, only used a level teaspoonful and he wasn't keen, hope I can persuade him to eat it in amounts large enough to make a difference.
Anyone else have trouble with palatability?

 

[irishdraft]

Yes Im having trouble with palatability with my mare who i really would like to get onto turmeric, have tried miniscule amounts in her feed in various ways but no she will not touch it, although my younger horse is now eating it ok, i have just seen a recipe for cooked treats made of oats, linseed etc so may now try something like that for her but shes a fussy old bat lol

 

[Regandal]

I had to start off with miniscule quantities, then discovered that it was the added oil that he didn't like. I don't use oil now as he gets micronised linseed and a little alfa a oil feed.

 

[Meems]

Where do you get it from? I'm looking into using something for my arthritic gelding. He's just been retired with kissing spine and I'd rather try something like that than sticking him on bute.

I ordered mine from Ebay. Got a 3kg bag for just under £13 with free postage and packing. I'm assuming this was cheaper than buying it from the high street although I didn't really shop around, I was just keen to get my hands on the stuff!

 

[MrsNorris]

I ordered mine from Ebay. Got a 3kg bag for just under £13 with free postage and packing. I'm assuming this was cheaper than buying it from the high street although I didn't really shop around, I was just keen to get my hands on the stuff!

My local asian supermarket is selling it for £2.99 a kilo, couldn't believe it was so cheap, won't do me any good if I can't get it into him though!

Is everyone doing the black pepper thing too? I'm giving it with linseed and a few twists of pepper, maybe its the pepper he doesn't like?

 

[EmmaC78]

Where do you get it from? I'm looking into using something for my arthritic gelding. He's just been retired with kissing spine and I'd rather try something like that than sticking him on bute.

I just ordered some from asiancookshop.co.uk and it was £10.99plus 3.75 postage for 5kg.

 

[LilMissy]

What is with the Tumeric?? I seem to have missed something!!

 

[Snow Falcon]

I'm not on FB so can someone please enlighten me too?

 

[Soup Dragon]

Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory effect.
It is useful for lots of conditions - to me it seemed to be such a cure all I was very sceptical.
However as neither Newmarket Joint Supplement or Devil's Claw made any difference to my pony's arthritis I though I would give it a go as it was cheap!
Since then I cannot believe the change, though pony needs to get fit again as she was almost retired.
It also has had a beneficial effect on her COPD - I have put her back on a straw bed to try and save money and she seems fine so far.

 

[YasandCrystal]

Turmeric has been found to be beneficial for a myriad of complaints such as skin conditions, cancer, sarcoids, arthritis, laminitis etc. Below are 20 benefits of Turmeric (taken from the FB group and written bu Doug English the vet who has set the page up with others)

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.
The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.
Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.
Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.
Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

 

[2ndtimearound]

Hi everyone, I'm just popping out of my *lurkerhood* to say thanks for this thread! Although I don't have my own horse, I do have inflamatory arthritis and after doing a little digging online I'm going to give this a try on myself.

 

[NellRosk]

Does anyone know if it's safe to feed long term? I'm guessing it should be as it's a spice and not a drug but I know you shouldn't feed garlic long term as it damages the good bacteria in the stomach.

 

[YasandCrystal]

NellRosk it's interesting you mention Garlic as the vet on the turmeric fb page suggests that he and every colleague he knows have never recommended Garlic being fed to horses for the past 15 years now as it is known to cause anaemia.

2ndtimearound - I am taking it too as is my son who has ezcema. I buy the tablets from Healthspan.

 

[NellRosk]

NellRosk it's interesting you mention Garlic as the vet on the turmeric fb page suggests that he and every colleague he knows have never recommended Garlic being fed to horses for the past 15 years now as it is known to cause anaemia.

So if a vet recommends it it should be okay? Looking to give it to my mare who's only 4 and obviously don't want it to do any damage!

 

[2ndtimearound]

2ndtimearound - I am taking it too as is my son who has ezcema. I buy the tablets from Healthspan.

Thanks, I'll have a look at them.

 

[YasandCrystal]

So if a vet recommends it it should be okay? Looking to give it to my mare who's only 4 and obviously don't want it to do any damage!

The vet who set up the user group did so to give interested people access to information and studies carried out on turmeric use and in return the group/page welcomes feedback also. I think it is up to you to make up your own mind if you believe it to be beneficial for your animals or use yourself and whether to try it. The vet extols the great properties of turmeric, but he is in no position to say that you should use it or that you shouldn't pursue conventional treatments etc.

I am giving it to my 4 yr old who has advanced ringbone - I am hoping this will help her.

 

[Finn]

I am using it on all of mine. Yes the old mare has become a rocket, but to me that is a fab result because it means that she is feeling so much better in herself. I expect that she will settle down once she realises that this painfree youthful feeling will stay with her.

It's like the old argumet - you buy a horse in 'poor' condition - you feed it up and worm it and it becomes 'Red Rum' and you then realise why it was kept so 'poor'. The question is would you rather your pony comfortable and a bit lively or to continue with their copd and the restrictions that places on them?
It's worth trying - you can always take the pony off it if you have to, but I would say perservere for a month.

Hi,

Sorry to hijack the thread but is Tumeric good for horses with COPD? My mare sufferes with COPD and I have tried the usual suppliements for it but doesnt seem to make any difference.