Hair Analysis Sample (Stomach)

Commentary:
LL has, basically, an excellent condition of the organ systems. He has high innate capacity.

He has, at this time, a strain of the stomach system, which to a certain degree is affecting the colon.

The gelding has developed hypersensitivity to processed feeds (pellets, sweet feeds). These types of feeds are hard for him to absorb and instead it will strain his digestive tract, especially the colon. He has also developed hypersensitivity to cortisone.

The hypersensitivity will cause an immune defense reaction that increases the histamine production of the stomach. This will increase the gastric acid production. An excess of gastric acid will irritate the mucous membranes of his gastrointestinal tract, which, in the end, will cause stomach ulcers. It will also cause the pH-value of the digestive tract to become too acidic.

The analysis indicates a vitamin B5 deficiency. The liver uses vitamin B5 when the organ breaks down toxins and slag products from the metabolism. The vitamin enhances the body’s resistance to stress and is important for a normal function of the nervous system and muscle coordination.

There is also an iron deficiency. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body and also myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle cells. Iron will also increase the combustion of slag products and toxins precipitated from the metabolism. An acidic pH-value of the digestive tract impairs the uptake of iron.

The gelding’s water intake is somewhat low. It is important to make sure that he drinks enough water since the water supports the detoxification via both colon and kidneys.

Symptoms

The stomachs organ system is connected to certain muscle groups in the neck and shoulder areas, such as:

The Brachiocephalic muscle draws and lifts the leg forward and flexes the neck.

The Trapezius muscle draws the scapula forward, upward.

The Triceps brachii muscle flexes, extends and fixates the shoulder and elbow joint.

The Deep pectoral muscle stabilizes the shoulder joint and draws the leg backwards in the floating phase of the gait.

The strain of the stomach will disturb the circulation of these muscles, and cause the muscles to become tense and also impair the circulation down the forelegs. The poor circulation of the forelegs may create problems in knees and fetlocks. It is likely that the gelding is showing symptoms mainly in his right foreleg at this time.

He may, due to the tensions of the right shoulder, lean his head to the left and pull the right rein.

He may also show irritation when the bellyband is tightened due to the affected Pectoralis muscle.

The tension will also travel back towards the groin area and cause a shortened hind gait. The gelding may also display a coordination disorder of the right hind leg (since he is still young this may not be visible as of yet).

The stomach will also cause symptoms in the sinuses and he may also have swollen lymph nods under the lower jaw.

Recommended treatment
Since the gelding’s protein and fat counts are raised and he has developed hypersensitivity to concentrated metallic mineral supplements, it is recommended to make some changes in his feed ration.

Grass hay, whole oats, beet pulp and natural vitamins and minerals would be the most suitable feed ration for him.

Even though all nutrients (including protein and fat) are essential in a horse’s diet, protein and fat are not suitable energy sources for a horse.

The best energy source is carbohydrates and the best carbohydrate and fat source is whole oats.

Horses are hindgut fermenters and fibers are therefore a very important ingredient in a horse’s feed ration. Hay and beet pulp contains a high amount of fibers. Hay is also the most suitable protein source.

Make sure that the gelding has free access to water, preferably from a bucket. Studies have shown that horses drink up to 40 % more water from a bucket compared to when fed from an automatic watering system. Water will help in the detoxifying via the colon, liver and kidneys.

Recommended treatment:
Minesyl, Ferromin, Gastromin, Colomin