Boosting the immune system

[shandy84]

how can I do this? Shandy is always getting infections etc and I feel that her immune system must be lacking any ideas?

[Bebe]

I've had good results using Hilton Herbs Equimmune Gold solution. It's approx £30 for a months supply but I only used it for a month as a boost. Bebe had been a bit under the weather on and off and it really picked her up.

Aloe Vera given in liquid form is very good too. Echinacea is commonly used as an immune booster too.

[Bozzy]

Hiltons Herbs make Equimmune in herbal or liquid form. Used this on Ed for his sarcoids last Summer, took him off it but have been debating putting him back on it since one has returned with a vengance.

[Mehitabel]

echinacea is good, but it's a short-term boost - not meant to be taken daily for long periods of time. what kind of infections is she getting? injury-related, or colds etc?

[Tina&Dale]

Hiltons Herbs make Equimmune in herbal or liquid form. Used this on Ed for his sarcoids last Summer, took him off it but have been debating putting him back on it since one has returned with a vengance.


Did it really help with the sarcoids?

[Bozzy]

Well you never know with these things but when on it, after about 2 months the one has on his chest disappeared and the others decreased in size.

One on his nose has now increased in size quite dramatically and seeing as I've tried everything else, I may now go back to Equimmune.

[shandy84]

It's basically every nick scrape to the skin etc gets infected even if the vet cleans it, could being weaned early from mum have stopped her building up good resistance to bugs and things that infect cuts? But basically i'm looking for something to help fight the infection she has at the moment and maybe then a longer term one to help avoid future problems

[Gabrielle]

I have found that garlic granules assist in battling infections - chest especially. Has anyone else found this. Apparently it helps to clean the blood too so therefore assists in the heart - so I have heard! :cool:

[Jessey]

Garlic has natural anti-biotic properties, its esp good if given raw as the oils are quite potent.
If I were you shandy I would give a short course on echineacia to give an initial boost (maybe about 5-7 days but check the manufactures guidelines) then get her on a good dose of garlic longer term (will also help keep the flys at bay), if you don't already have her on this.
Do remember that they need to be exposed to things to help build their immune system up, if they are wrapped in cotton wool their body never has any reason to fight these things. Most minor cuts I rarely do anything to, just keep an eye on them and if they don't look to be healing in about 3 days or getting worse before then, I will then look closer (unless of course they are obviously in need of attention straight away)
There are some really good things on the market now which I find invaluable, one is called Nu-Gel, it is used for people after surgery, it allows the wound to breathe but keeps nasties out, goes on like a cream but then dries like silicone sealent (maybe not the best comparison but hey ho)
You could also try a tea tree oil spray (equimins do one) just applied occasionally all over helps to keep the bacteria normally found on the skin at a reasonable level so when you do get a cut its less likely to get sore.

J

[KarinUS]

Is this limited to skin problems?
The skin is often a very good indicator of general nutritional status. Does she have enough Zinc in her diet? Omega 3?

DJ used to have an ongoing problem with a skin infection for about 2 years. Hair and skin coming out in tufts, etc. Then I brought him home. Changed his diet. Voila- no more skin infections.

[Jessey]

Oh, I meant to add, get a really good vitamin and mineral supplement, if shes on top form herself an infection will have less chance of taking hold.

J

[shandy84]

She's not on any hard feed as she has not been working hard enough to warrent it and gets fat very easily but she has been having a daily vitamin supplement I will check what things are in it krin and see if those would be a problem.

It is really limited to the skin.

[intouch]

Just released in UK - Equine Essentials, based on Tahitian Noni juice which has great results for humans, and the equine version is getting rave results in the states. Sorry if I'm going on about this, you'd think I was selling the stuff, but if the results are as impressive as they say, I just might! www.tni.com