IMMUNE

IMMUNE SUPPRESSION/CHRONIC INFECTIONS

Background: Environmental pollution, especially pesticides, exposure to heavy metals and radiation contribute to a weakened immune system. Chronic immune suppression can be genetically predisposed, as many people breed horses that are already immune suppressed. Chronic administration of drugs also can weaken a susceptible immune system. Some horses may require greater than "normal" amounts of some nutrients, especially antioxidants.
Symptoms: Occurrence of frequent infections, abscesses, bladder infections, colds, pneumonia, small wounds that will not heal, yeast infections. Other body systems may be involved such as the digestive tract, nervous system, skin, respiratory system, reproductive tract, and the joints of the body.
Diagnostics: Depend on the system(s) involved and the availability of immune function tests; in some cases, the primary diagnostics are a complete history and physical.
Special Notes: Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies are common in commercial diets. Detoxification often helps.
Principles for Supplementation: Supply nutrients that aid the immune system without overloading it.

EQUINE PRODUCTS—IMMUNE SUPPRESSION/CHRONIC INFECTIONS

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
ImmunoVET-EQ12	2 scoops bid	Source of naturally occurring bioactive proteins–IGG and peptides, modulates gut barrier function and inflammatory cytokine production, and improves immunity.
Pure Ascorbic Acid One Gram12	6-12 grams sid	Enhances immune function, often deficient in horses under stress.
Citrus CQ18	½ oz sid	Supplies Vitamin C, quercetin and antioxidants.
Equine Qi Tonic14	4 tsp bid	Regulates the immune system, protects from bacterial and viral diseases, especially upper respiratory infections.
Chia Booster (chia seeds)19	1 scoop bid	Stabilizes membranes, source Omega 3 fatty acids
Flax/Hemp Oil	3 tbsp sid	Anti-inflammatory; stabilizes membranes.
GlutathioneVET12	6-12 capsules sid	Is a cofactor for dozens of enzymes involved in detoxification, provides hepatic support, immune support.
Noni fruit6,15	powder: 3-4 tsp, bid fruit leather: 2-4 two-inch sq pieces	Source antioxidants, fatty acids, amino acids.
ModucareVET12	8-12 capsules sid (give between meals)	Plant sterols and sterolins enhance immune function.
PRO BI1	5 mL bid	Supports beneficial gut bacteria.
Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Angelica and Mastic Combination)14	4 tsp bid	Helps clear abscesses, heat and inflammation in joints, septic areas can respond.
APF-Pro21	6-10 mL sid	Adaptogenic herbs, support the immune system, adrenals, reduces stress, helps horses adapt to stress.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bluplerum Combination)14	4 tsp bid	Immune stimulation at a deep level, improves circulation, expels Wind Pathogens from deep, tonifies Souce Qi.