When the horse’s immune system is not working properly it causes health problems for the horse and so it is up to you - the owners, trainers, grooms, and horse lovers - to do whatever you can to keep our horses’ immune systems strong.
Healthy horse - Healthy immune system
Your horse's immune system's job is to protect and eliminate external pathogens: bacteria, viruses, yeast, parasites, and allergens and internal pathogens: cancer cells, toxins, and metabolic waste.
The immune system’s job is to protect and eliminate external pathogens (bacteria, viruses, yeast, parasites, and allergens) and internal pathogens (cancer cells, toxins, metabolic waste, and damaged cells/tissues).
Approximately 70% of the immune system is surrounding the GI tract, leaving very little to protect the skin, respiratory tract, and all other tissues. An unhealthy GI tract leads to an overloaded stressed immune system that can lose its ability to respond properly when challenged.
When the immune system over responds we see allergies (hives, heaves-COPD), autoimmune diseases, and/or inflamed tissues (laminitis, sore muscles & joints). When the immune system is fatigued and can’t respond, the horse is more prone to all types of infections.
Strengthening the immune system can be baffling because horses have specialized needs. One mare may have a tendency to yeast infections, which may compromise efforts to breed her while another horse may have joint-related issues that cause swelling after exercise.
Some animals fight a chronic battle with digestion while others tend towards respiratory problems. Allergies are another concern, and they can show up in nearly any bodily system.
Products that stimulate the immune system are not always beneficial and may be more harmful in some cases. Decreasing immune system stress by healing the GI tract while supporting the immune system and balancing its response is always good. Vaccinating horses with immune problems and over vaccinating can lead to more problems, so be careful and be aware.
Some things you can do to help improve your horse’s immune system are things you would do for yourself, such as improving your horse’s diet by feeding all natural products with no additives. Make sure you read the labels on every feed or supplement that your horse consumes. Also, turn your horse out as much as possible and keep an eye on your horse’s overall attitude, coat and energy level.