by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

One of the most frustrating insects for horse owners is a midge identified as Culicoides. Tiny and prone to swarming, these midges, sometimes called no-see-ums or punkies, can be relentless in their biting, often leading to persistent skin wounds.

Midges seem to prefer certain regions of the horse, including the mane, tail, and belly. Bites incurred by midges are sufficiently annoying, but the problem extends beyond mere aggravation. Many horses are allergic to the saliva of insects, creating areas of pruritis, or intense itching. Infected horses will use fixed objects such as fence posts, stall walls, or trees to scratch their manes and tails. Clever horses will straddle automatic waterers so they can relieve the discomfort on their bellies.

Aside from extreme itching, clinical signs of Culicoides-associated skin problems include broken hair or patchy hair loss, scaling, or oozing lesions. The lesions are often painful from the onset but become more so as they age. These symptoms are sometimes collectively referred to as sweet itch.

Treatment goals include controlling itchiness, treating secondary bacterial infections, and reducing exposure to midges. Because midges are most active just prior to and at dusk, one approach to reducing exposure would be to bring horses into a stall with a heavy air current, which is possible through the use of fans. Consultation with a veterinarian is always wise when confronted with a skin problem, and many horses with infection will require medication.

From a nutritional perspective, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is helpful.

“Many veterinarians and horse owners believe that daily supplementation with an omega-3 supplement helps tremendously with the itchiness and inflammation involved in Culicoides-related skin disease,” said Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor with Kentucky Equine Research (KER). “Omega-3s help control body-wide inflammation, and this might be one reason horses find a certain measure of relief when fed long-chain fatty acids.”

Fish oils are direct sources of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are the most useful omega-3 fatty acids in terms of conferring health benefits. For optimal omega-3 supplementation, choose a marine-derived product, such as EO-3.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.

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by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

A new study found that CBD and two of its derivatives decreased pain scores and improved inflammation in horses with chronic osteoarthritis.^*

In the study, 24 horses diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis localized to one or more joints were supplemented with either CBDA or a combination of CBG/CBD once daily for 14 days. CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), CBD (cannabidiol), and CBG (cannabigerol) are compounds derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa). These compounds, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic (pain-reducing) properties that decrease the response and perception of pain, according to previous studies.

“Several studies of CBD and its derivatives in horses have been published recently with some studies supporting their efficacy. These researchers postulated that the therapeutic use of CBD has become increasingly popular due to the perception of being ‘natural’ treatment among pet owners,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist.

Physiologic parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure) were measured, and the Horse Chronic Pain Scale was applied each day of the 14-day study. This pain scale uses a series of 15 questions to assess various aspects of a horse’s behavior to calculate a total pain scare (maximum score of 45). Additionally, blood samples were collected and analyzed at the start of the study prior to supplementation and again on days 7 and 14.

No changes in physiologic variables were identified during this study. Pain scores, however, decreased significantly in both groups of horses. In the horses supplemented with CBDA, pain scores decreased from 10 at the start of the study to 5 by day three, and to 3 by day 10, which persisted for the duration of the study. In the CBG/CBD group, pain scores decreased from 11 at the start of the study to 6 by day seven and then to 5 from days 10 to 14.

“It is interesting to note here that CBDA had an earlier onset of action than CBG/CBD,” Whitehouse said.

In addition to the improvement in pain scores, the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) decreased. The researchers explained this could indicate a decrease in the inflammatory process.

No adverse effects were observed during the treatment period.

“These results suggest CBD, CBDA, and CBG can help improve signs of chronic pain in horses with osteoarthritis,” said Whitehouse. “Additional studies are needed to determine how these compounds are metabolized by the horse.”

Because osteoarthritis is a major cause of lameness in horses, frequently resulting in early retirement, identifying strategies capable of improving joint comfort and decreasing pain are imperative. In addition to Cannabis products and phenylbutazone, another way of managing osteoarthritis includes offering oral joint health supplements. One caveat: despite their potential to relieve pain, CBD-containing products are prohibited in competition.

“Kentucky Equine Research offers several joint supplements, including those containing marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help support joint health by promoting a healthy inflammatory response,” advised Whitehouse. Suitable research-proven products include EO-3 or ReSolvin EQ.

Further, Synovate HA added to your performance horse’s diet will support the health of their joints and their athletic careers.

^*Aragona, F., M. Tabbì, E. Gugliandolo, C. Giannetto, F. D’Angelo, F. Fazio, and C. Interlandi. 2024. Role of cannabidiolic acid or the combination of cannabigerol/cannabidiol in pain modulation and welfare improvement in horses with chronic osteoarthritis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11:1496473.

Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.

There a more informative articles in our section on Health & Education. While you're here be sure to visit our Curated Amazon Store.