*Spotlight* Jan '18

This months *Spotlight* highlights the wonderful work of Libby Franz

Dip. of Equine Podiotherapy & Cert III ACEHP and owner/operator of Dare to Go Bare.

"Noah"

2 year old Crabbet Arab

What I'm about to share with you is going to make you cringe. It'll give you goosebumps and I guarantee it'll make you want to friendly-fence your property, much like a Hollywood-style psych ward.

At the start of June this year, Noah slipped over in the paddock, putting all 4 feet through ring lock fencing. With a degloved leg and losing lots of blood, a quick thinking friend Mel wrapped a towel around his leg to staunch bleeding. In the blink of an eye Noah went from great endurance prospects to date night with the green dream (being put to sleep). With a cold feeling of dread in their stomachs, the owner, Libby and Mel anxiously waited for needles and stitches to arrive, each tortuous minute reluctantly forgoing it's tenure. As it does during times like this.

“I’ll have to put him down”. Unfortunately the vet didn’t have any good skin to work with, let alone stitch and felt he was left with little choice but to recommend euthanasia. The wound was a mess, the risk for infection was high and this was a young, rambunctious horse. The situation looked pretty grim and tough decisions needed to be made.

Being put to sleep is so final, bringing with it sadness, grief and plenty of ‘what if’s’. But taking on intensive rehabilitation ‘jobs’ such as this is like taking a base jump.. you grit your teeth and do your best. Healing horse wounds, Libby reflects, is not dissimilar to healing human wounds, it's the other factors that can make the journey tough going; the owner may run out of finances part way through, you know you're up for more 'work' than what you're likely able to charge for and of course things can take unexpected turns. But alas, hope propagates.

“We can fix this” said Libby.

And off they jumped…

Libby has been professionally trimming for over 12 years and has been fortunate to see and experience the birth of the barefoot movement in Australia. Barefoot has certainly come along way since migrating to our shores, including advancements in research & science, education, public awareness, hoof boot technology and demand. Many brave mavericks have made this movement possible, despite the tenacious and cumbersome nature of long-held traditions, so kudos to all the pioneers! When asked what she'd like to see before eventually hanging up her tools, Libby said she'd "like to see barefoot as the norm". "I see many kids coming through now that don't view shoes as normal."

While Libby spends most of her professional time trimming horses and dealing with hoof pathologies she also provides intensive laminitis rehabilitation at her property in southern Tasmania. Her ‘job’ is the epitome of passion. It is compelling, it's certainly demanding, it smacks of dedication and often goes well beyond the task she is paid for. It's one thing to be satisfied with a job well done, it's in a whole other league when you affect change. When you influence wellbeing or end suffering. It's hard not to turn up, because that stuff right there, that's gold!

No, not all horses can or should be saved and you just seem to know when that line must be respected. It’s often a tough call, but the ‘job’ does allow a level of detachment to do so. And then there are exceptions. It’s really hard to waiver a horse’s future just because

Libby and Merlin

there’s a job to do that very few are able or willing or can afford what it’s going to take. Not just financially, but the time (oh the time! I’m talking middle of the night, in your pyjamas with head torches! Often!) the commitment (obviously) and the smarts to work outside the box.

Speaking from experience, when a certain horse comes into your life that needs you, really needs you, it has a synchronistic little twinkle about it and can feel rather fateful. Is it a calling? Who knows, but it’s certainly far from just a job.

Something says “don’t give up just yet” which certainly hangs in tentative balance (day to day, week to week) but as long as there is clear progress, prognosis is improving and the horse is not suffering, there is light. Luckily Noah had a great human team by his side who were up for the task (including Libby's daughter who is an ER nurse). He was taken to Libby's rehabilitation centre (where the majority of patients tend to be laminitic horses) so his high needs could be met.

Noah's recovery was frustratingly slow, but stubbornly hopeful. He was “meticulously bandaged” reflects Libby, "every few days for nearly 5 months so far" (just take that in for a moment). Proud flesh was the ever-present adversary to healing, like the cliched and over-protective helicopter parent. Proud flesh or “exuberant granulation tissue” starts out as normal healing. Wound healing requires a process to ‘fill the gap’ and relies on the skin to contract, as well as new tissue to migrate across the damaged area. When this process gets a little too excited about it’s very important role, it actually makes matters worse by creating excessive tissue, leaving the wound a protrusive, cauliflowered sight to behold and slowing or preventing a conclusion to healing. Sometimes it can be so large, it catches and reopens the wound. For this reason, the proud flesh on Noah’s leg was debrided (cut away) several times over the months (under sedation by the vet) and skin grafts were discussed, but fortunately not needed.

progression of healing

beginning of October

Since this last picture, Noah, being the young clown he is, had a setback by re-injuring this leg. It was at this point his owner, spent of momentum, offered him to Libby if she were prepared to continue his treatment. Despite utter exasperation at such misfortune Libby chose to press on with his rehabilitation, which we are told is coming along really well.

We were thrilled when Libby told us she’d been using Happy Horse Australia’ on the edges of Noah's wound with fantastic success. Keeping the new, forming tissue moist and protected “which has been the key” shares Libby, is vital in the healing process along with minimising chronic inflammation and scalding of the skin from discharge. SkinBalm was formulated with these attributes in mind and is made from powerful skin healing herbs. These herbs have earned their well deserved reputation as wound heroes over many centuries. Nature is the brains, we just carefully selected a special blend of herbs and combined them in a zinc and beeswax based cream. All natural. Super effective! Did I mention it smells divine? It does!

It’s no wonder many aren’t up for the task of intense rehabilitation, it’s not for the feint hearted OR the impatient. Noah’s rehabilitation has been a testament to all involved. The owner’s belief in Libby’s intuitive discernment, Libby’s unrelenting and skilful commitment to the daily care of a high needs horse (over many months) the vet’s amenable and greatly appreciated support as well as friend Mel for her helping hands and wonder-daughter ER nurse Abbey… and a little help from SkinBalm. The makers of which, also prone to deeply rooted passion for what they do ; )

Laminitis/Founder is the second biggest killer of horses. Not because the condition actually causes death, but managing these horses back to health is fraught with challenges and misinformation (therefore often unsuccessful, hence the horrendous statistics) leading to the heartbreaking decision to euthanise. But wait... euthanasia may not be necessary!

Here at Happy Horse Australia we seeand hear of many horses being PTS unnecessarily. When radiographs / X-rays reveal that penetration or significant rotation has occurred, it is very common advice that euthanasia should be seriously considered.

No, not every horse can or should be saved. If the pedal bone is damaged, you have to ask yourself "what quality of life is this horse capable of having?". Depending on the degree of damage, a ridden future may be unlikely, and a life with constant pain/discomfort or abscessing is also not a good prospect (or ethical).

But what if the pedal bones are in good shape?

Don't let penetration or rotation be your deciding factor to euthanise. We can successfully rehabilitate many of these horses, even if there has been major pedal bone rotation or penetration.

We have utmost respect for vets and we couldn't do what we do without them, BUT... the science has changed A LOT in the past 5-10yrs regarding rehabilitation of laminitis. Many people (including your awesome vet or farrier) may not be familiar with contemporary approaches.

It really is the differences that make ALL the difference!

Horse 1

This is a current horse in crisis. We received a phone call from a vet the other day regarding our opinion on prognosis for this little horse. Consensus was leaning toward euthanasia (much of that was based on the degree of rotation and being quite close to penetration). We need to see the horse to make a full assessment of course, but just from the view of radiographs and speaking with the attending vet, our prognosis is fairly positive and not overly determined by degree of rotation or penetration.

Penetration is much harder to manage in terms of care & recovery, but certainly very achievable. The longer the horse's health 'teeters' on the edge, the greater risk of penetration. We are waiting to hear how the owners want to proceed. We hope they don' leave it too long.

Horse 2

This horse was in trouble for some time before we were brought in. It was strongly advised by the vets (different vets to horse 1) to be euthanised. This horse was already penetrating on our initial visit. She went in her hind feet (not as common) but fortunately she had an extremely committed and courageous owner who followed our program to the letter! She made an incredibly fast recovery, of which the attending vet was very surprised. She was rideable within 7 months.

Horse 3

This horse was in such a bad way. He had a heart rate of 140+bpm, pretty much ground-bound (couldn't stand) and rightly so, was recommended for euthanasia. The owner contacted us out of desperation before such a final decision was made. Yes he had laminitis and yes he had some rotation in some of his feet, but the main cause of such high, sustained heart rates was the whopping, MASSIVE set of abscesses coming through. Neither us, nor the attending vet had ever seen anything like them.

Abscesses are common in laminitic horses and can cause excruciating pain. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish the pain from pedal bone rotation, from the pain of abscessing. We guarantee (because we have seen it) there would be scores of horses out there that are PTS from abscesses. This horse was being ridden again 12 months later. He has since retired due to arthritis.

Horse 4 (not pictured)

We were called to this horse early 2015 (several weeks into a laminitic episode). The owner was unable to commit to our recommendations, heeding mixed advice from neighbours and attending vet. Fundamental changes in management were not being implemented, and despite our warnings of the consequences, the horse continued to worsen. Outdated advice sticks like a bur, reseeding misinformation and unfortunately, we were left with little choice but to withdraw our services as the situation was headed for an avoidable yet inevitable train wreck. This horse penetrated in a couple of hooves (after it left our care) and we're told the horse and owner are battling to manage the laminitis still to this day : (

Time is of the essence

I'd like to say call your vet first, but we see all too often owners/horses going down a slippery slope of traditional care and getting much worse before our assistance is sought. We want your vet involved so we can liaise with them from the get-go, helping you navigate your way through "By all means, call your vet first if you want to, but don't tarry getting us on board!

Worldwide, treatment and understanding of laminitis is changing, but it takes time for breakthroughs to trickle down the line. Fortunately there is a new wave of equine practitioners with their finger on the pulse - vets, nutritionists, farriers/podiatrists etc. having remarkable results, especially when they work together!

Rehabilitation is not for everyone, it's a big commitment. It's going to cost you time and money. How much? That will largely depend on several factors - owner/environmental limitations, severity of the case, compliance etc. This is not an article about how we do it (that would take too long) more so that successful rehabilitation is very achievable and contemporary methods have much higher success rates than outdated, traditional treatments.

Getting a horse through a serious acute or chronic case of laminitis is not for the fainthearted or the weekend carer. Daily care/supervision is a must and there is no telling how long it will take. Some recover with lightening speed (6 months is lightening speed!), some take much longer. And then there's post recovery care - PREVENTION. If you've made it that far, chances are the tears and relentless learning curve has put you in good stead of ever going through that again!

Struggling with the rehab journey? Euthanasia is final. Here are some other options...

1) Happy Horse Australia can assist you at home (not for severe cases) with a management program that is suited to your horse, your property.

2) Happy Horse Australia operates a laminitis rehabilitation centre on the far south coast of NSW (Bega Valley). We have horses come from far and wide - local, Monaro, Snowy Mtns, Canberra, Victoria and beyond. There are very few places in Australia like this. We are also quite unique in the sense that we have qualified equine practitioners - Nutritionist, Naturopath, Herbalist & Podiatrist. We also have established and supportive relationships with several different vets/clinics in the region.

- 24/7 care

- qualified practitioners

- return home with a management plan in place

3) 2nd Chance Program isavailable for eligible horses. This option is for owners that can't go the rehab journey (for whatever personal reasons) but do not want to see their beloved horse/pony euthanised. If the horse fits the criteria (see below) it is surrendered to our ownership, whereby we rehabilitate the horse and find it a suitable and compatible home when/if ready (we are VERY picky).

The 2nd Chance horse will eventually run with some of our own herd whilst 'proving' itself under various conditions, like track paddocks, returning to pasture, re-training (if applicable), under saddle, trail rides etc. before we deemed it ready for it's new hopefully-forever home. It will also leave with a prevention/management plan in place

Eligibility

* radiographs / X-rays must be available to view

* must have no or very little damage to pedal bones.

* must have proven ridden history (or be young enough to make starting from scratch viable)

* must have good prospects (post laminitis recovery) of a ridden future

* each horse / pony is assessed on a case by case basis

Two examples from our 2nd Chance Program

Both these horses are pictured post-recovery. They both returned to riding within 6 months

Don't Put Me Down Just Yet...

Happy Horse Australiais basking in the sunshine of herbs in flower! Simply nothing beats the quality of freshly picked and processed herbs for our products. The Calendula pictured below is from our very own crop, is one of the herbs we use in SkinBalm and soon to be harvested, wilted and patiently infused in oil.

Raising the bar on freshness and premium quality ingredients, we are super excited to be able to pass this on to you all, especially the horses!

Back to my ROOTS

The growing and manufacturing side of herbs is what initially drew me to becoming an Equine Naturopath, but nutrition kind of took centre stage for a while (for good reason!) which added a whole other level of understanding to equine health. Blessed to wear both hats, it gives such a wonderful depth to holistic insight (and approach) which continues to inspire and amaze me. Herbs are medicine. Nutrition is medicine. They are both powerful in their own right, yet possess a beautiful subtleness that is often greatly underestimated in effect.

Growing, harvesting and producing as many herbs we use in our practice as possible, not only gives us more control over quality, but maximises the nutritional and healing attributes available to us; something that inevitably gets lost to some degree when relying on other suppliers or always having to use dried product.

Here at Happy Horse Australia we are sooo looking forward to incorporating our own organically grown herbs into our range of topical products, herbal blends and nutritional supplements. Free from chemicals, but keeping it affordable... lets face it, horses are large animals and whether it be for internal or external use, the cost of making more ethical choices for your horse is often beyond budget.

Made with LOVE

Anything Happy Horse Australia can't grow, be it climate, difficulty or restrictions (like St John's Wort, also found in SkinBalm) we still source with care and of course, make with oodles of LOVE! Your ponies will LOVE you for LOVING us ; )

To view our full range of products and services, visit us at...

It's quick, it's easy, it's natural, itWORKS!!

We developed MicroBug to treat micro-organisms that invade hoof (eg. seedy toe, thrush) and skin (eg. rainscald, greasy heel).

No more juggling toothbrushes & multiple products for treating seedy toe. The unique combination of ingredients not only dries out the affected area, but draws nourishing and powerful anti-microbial oils into crevices that harbour invasive pathogens.