8 minute read
Health & Welfare - including skin microbiome advice, fly protection products, how to deal with horse bites and osteoarthritis treatments explained
WHAT IS THE SKIN MICROBIOME AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Microbiome
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Layers of skin
The microbiome is made up of bacteria, fungi and viruses that cohabitate on the top layer of the skin
The skin is the largest organ separating internal structures from the outside world so it should come as no surprise that microorganisms living in that world - bacteria, fungi and viruses - decide to make a home on that skin. The ‘microbiome’ is what we call those microorganisms living in harmony on the skin.
The animal microbiome’s role in healing Skin in nature is not sterile. It’s supposed to have these
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microorganisms co-mingling. And while the effects of the skin’s microbiome are still being researched, human studies show its balance is critical to the overall health of the person. In fact, dysfunction in the microbiome is associated with autoimmune diseases and infection in humans*. Research conducted in equine healing shows that equine skin microbiota or microbiome creates a rich and stable environment that is disturbed by wounding. However, it springs back to its previous,
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balanced state of microorganisms upon full healing of the wound. Studies continue to explore the impact of the skin’s microbiome in terms of wound repair**. In the presence of tissue injury, a disrupted skin microbiome often results in prolonged delay in the healing process. Both equine and human research has shown that a balanced microbiome shortens the time it takes for wounds to heal. Applying wound care products that provide an effective barrier against harmful infectioninducing bacteria while protecting the skin’s normal and healthy microorganism populations is a helpful way to support positive wound healing outcomes. Absorbine have combined the natural powers of MicroSilver BG and Manuka Honey working together in Silver Honey to help care for the skin’s natural microbiome. These one-of-a-kind formulas moisturise and nourish to support new skin cells and quickly provide amazing results on minor wounds or tough skin conditions. Silver Honey is available in spray or ointment.
www.absorbine.co.uk/ silverhoney
FILTACLEAR: THE SECRET WEAPON AGAINST SUN AND FLIES!
Finally, we can all enjoy time out doors with less restrictions, more human and equine company. What a treat to be out competing again! However, as the days warm up, we are also competing with the effects of the sun and insect invasion.
Showing does not mean your sunburn susceptible equine will go without protection. FiltaClear was specifically developed for animals with sensitive skins, ideal for protecting all white or pink non-pigmented skin areas from sun or dew burn, without attracting attention or overcolouring the area. FiltaClear can be applied thickly for turn-out sun protection or rubbed in to near-clear. This translucent feature is ideal for use on animals while at shows, providing maximum sun protection without obvious appearance. Even a barely visible pale coating will still provide protection to the underlying area. FiltaClear is a total sun-blocking, reflective, pale white cream that rubs in to near-clear. It has an SPF of 25+, rated superior protection for UVA/UVB rays. FiltaClear can be applied daily to all areas prone to sun burning –nose, eye-lids, ear tips, fetlocks, pasterns. All topical agents should be thoroughly washed off the area, with water or a non-soapy cleanser, every second to third day to prevent residue build up on the skin. Flies irritate, bite and can be the cause of some nappy behaviour in an already keyed-up horse when at the show, especially those sensitive ones. Prevention with insect repellants/deterrents over the whole body is a first line choice and providing the horse with physical barriers to ease the misery from fly-worry, work well.
While at a show or out riding applying FiltaClear to exposed areas unable to be covered, this will deter biting from flies as the product proves too sticky for their liking.
Sweet itch is the most wellknown of the seasonal insect problems. The allergic reaction to the saliva of the Culicoides midge unfortunately has no known cure - therefore prevention is the key. The antibacterial agents within the cream will protect any underlying areas previously affected by fly activity. None of the ingredients in FiltaClear, or any of Aniwell’s products, appear on the FEI Prohibited substances list 01.01.2021.
www.aniwell-uk.com
Suggested Products...
UltraShield Fly Masks protect and comfort whilst keeping horses cool and dry. Lightweight, durable and resistant to stains and dirt they stay put with two-way controlled stretch fabric around the head, extended fabric behind the ears, and a strong double-locking hook and loop closure featuring wider velcro. The masks protect, with structured eye darts, mesh that blocks 80% of UV rays and rolled inner seams preventing rubs and irritation. www.absorbine.co.uk
RRP: from £28.88.
UltraShield Insecticide and Repellent protects your horse’s environment with active ingredients Permethrin and Pyrethrin providing an instant ‘knock-down’ killing insects on surfaces as well as providing a long-lasting protective ‘shield’. It offers all-round protection for use in and around paddocks, stables, field shelters, and in horse boxes. www.absorbine.co.uk
UltraShield spray is for around horses, not on them!
Stinger Fly Spray is an effective repellent for flying and biting insects, including midges. Each application is effective for up to seven hours depending on the weather conditions, which negates the need for constant reapplication. New 1L size supplied in an easy to hold spray bottle with 25% extra free. www.equine-america.co.uk
RRP: £16.99/1L
This natural FlyRepel Spray is specially formulated for horses, ponies and camelids (camels). It provides superior natural protection from troublesome biting flies. FlyRepel is an essential horse care product for long lasting fly deterrence. Repels mosquito, midge and other insect bites for up to eight hours. www.equine-america.co.uk A technical, lightweight, highly breathable Mesh Quarter Sheet that has been designed to keep the horse cool during warmer days. The fluorescent closeknit mesh fabric and coordinating reflective banding offers good visibility and discourages flies from biting. www.equisafety.com
RRP: from £19.99/750ml RRP: £40
Happy Equine Fly Off Super strength insect spray can be used directly on your horses as well as woodwork, rugs, sheets, lorries and trailers. Natural homeopathic ingredients include lemon citronella, geranium oil, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, basil and neem oils. Also contains the active ingredient of Geraniol. www.happyequine.uk
RRP: £16.95
First Aid Training Cooperative and Medi-K First Aid are proud to announce the launch of a free digital first aid manual for equestrians.
Developed specifically for the sector, the manual can be downloaded to a phone or tablet, meaning that guidance is available at the swipe of a finger. It contains over 60-pages of fullcolour content covering the first aid basics including bleeds, heat stroke, horse kicks, animal bites and stings, and CPR for adults and children. It also deals with issues such as body protectors and air vests on an injured casualty. Cory Jones, Director of First Aid Training Co-operative and MediK, said, “We’re proud of our new manual. This is not just a book, it’s interactive and could help you save a life in the event of an accident.” The manual is suitable for everyone and makes ideal revision for those who have not completed a first aid course recently. If you’d like to improve your first aid skills further, head to EquiToolz.com for free online training. The course takes just 30-minutes to complete and includes interactive questions to test your knowledge, videos demonstrating lifesaving procedures and real-life equestrian scenarios. EquiToolz.com can be accessed on any mobile or desktop device. You can study at your own pace, any time and from anywhere, and if you need to pause the training you can simply pick up where you left off. Cory continued, “Our online training could make a huge difference in the event of an incident. It’s suitable for anyone involved with horses and it costs nothing to do it. We’d encourage everyone to sign-up as you never know when First Aid skills might come in useful.”
To download the manual: www.firstaidtraining cooperative.co.uk/equestriandownload/
CORY’S TOP 10 TIPS FOR Dealing with horse bites
1. Some horses are inclined to nip or bite. This bad habit can be very dangerous, resulting in serious human injury. Biting may also be a sign of an underlying health problem in your horse or an indication that it has been socialised to be a little too familiar with humans.
2. If you are bitten and it breaks the skin, clean the site
thoroughly with soap and water, before covering with a sterile dressing. 3. A cold compress or ice pack held over the bite for 10-minutes can help to ease the pain and reduce swelling. 4. Do not scratch the wound, as this is likely to make it worse and increase the risk of infection.
5. If the bite is over a joint, hand, foot, or a prosthetic device,
you should see a doctor immediately because antibiotics are most likely indicated.
6. If you have a weakened immune
system, you should be evaluated by a doctor after any bite.
7. Your bite may take as little as
seven days or as long as several months to heal, depending on how bad it is. Taking good care of your wound at home will help it heal and reduce your chance of infection.
8. A large number of bacteria have been associated with horse
bite infections in people, including Actinobacillus,
Streptococcus, Psuedomonas and Staphylococcus species. 9. Avoid bites. Pay attention to what you are doing around horses to reduce the risk of being bitten. Do not encourage playful behaviours (e.g. nipping) that could lead to bites. 10. Tetanus - After the initial tetanus series, booster shots are recommended every ten years. If you experience a puncture wound, it’s best to get the booster shot regardless of when you had your last tetanus shot.
