The gut microbiome and its relationship with our bodies are fundamental to our health—disease results from our body’s immune reaction to this relationship (inflammation). The foods and medicines placed into this gut environment determine the microbiome’s population and the immune response. When correct, health occurs.

Probiotics, like all… Read more

Thank you for having your horse on a non-inflammatory diet, plus added protein. This diet will help your colt throughout his life.

Soft tissue injury occurs as acute trauma (a direct blow) or a chronic injury from overuse (common in working horses such as racehorses). If from trauma, the injury usually heals quickly, and the diet he is on… Read more

I am not aware of any treatments for sidebone fractures other than surgery. Surgery may not help, either. Bones need about four months to heal, provided the fractured pieces are immobilized. However, there is a lot of movement in the hoof.

One thing to remember is that “sidebone” is the ossification of the lateral cartilage. What triggers… Read more

If the side bones are only seen on radiographs but are not causing a problem, then I wouldn’t worry.

Deposition of bone is a result of forces applied to the bone. These forces create piezoelectric currents that attract calcium and form more bone, which is why all bones are curved and have bumps. I also have “bone spurs” on every knuckle of… Read more