Question
My mare was diagnosed with Lyme disease. She remains on a course of antibiotics, though she continues to improve with no fever, limb edema, or discernible pain. The veterinarian suggested contacting an equine nutritionist about thoughts and recommendations on feeding her. What are your opinions?
Answer
Diagnosis of Lyme disease in horses is difficult, so the fact that your mare has been definitively diagnosed increases her likelihood for recovery. I applaud you and your veterinarian for seeking ways to properly support your mare from a nutritional perspective.
Nutritional support lies primarily with immune-building nutritional aids. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been detailed extensively in recent popular press and scientific journal articles. Boosting immunity is just one advantage of supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, so this seems a natural choice for an immune-suppressed horse. Another advantage is a body-wide reduction in inflammatory responses. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce arthritic pain, and can possibly reduce the dose of anti-inflammatories used for joint pain.
Select an omega-3 product that has been derived from fish oil, as these contain direct sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. For maximal palatability, marine-derived products such as fish oil should be deodorized and flavored. Check with the manufacturer to be sure the product has undergone these processes.
A well-known immune-strengthening nutrient is vitamin E. Not all vitamin E supplements are the same, so look for a natural vitamin E product (d-alpha-tocopherol, not dl-alpha-tocopherol). Certain products are designed to be absorbed quickly. In a trial conducted at Kentucky Equine Research, the bioavailability of several vitamin E products was measured. Bioavailability proved greatest in a natural-source vitamin E product that used a process known as nanodispersion to deliver the nutrient throughout the body.
Selenium is often discussed hand in hand with vitamin E because it too is essential for proper immune function. A complete diet analysis by an equine nutritionist can verify that nutrient levels, including selenium, are appropriate for your mare.
Because your mare is on antibiotic therapy, I would suggest products designed specifically to keep the hindgut in optimal working order. Yeasts and probiotics come to mind. Products with a diversity of yeasts and bacteria are the best choices because these will repopulate a depleted hindgut with a multitude of species.
The bacteria that causes Lyme disease has a predilection for striking certain areas of the horse’s body, and joints are often compromised. To bolster joint health, if this is a concern with your mare, search for supplements that supply a synergistic blend of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate to provide broad-spectrum support. Sodium hyaluronate may also be helpful for improving lubrication of the joint and increasing the comfort of the horse
Other useful nutrients or additives include vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium, and possibly B vitamins. Each horse should be treated as an individual, certainly from a nutritional point of view but also from a medical standpoint. A strong working relationship with your veterinarian and a nutritionist will help you determine what is best for your mare.
