Tom Schell

Immune Dysfunction

Leave a Comment / Equine Articles / By

The common cold, influenza, allergies and even cancer have one thing in common…the immune response. The immune system is a complex network of cells and secretory chemicals designed to protect our bodies against the invasion of foreign substances including bacteria, viruses and fungi.  Despite the well intentions and overall importance, sometimes thing can go wrong contributing to a host of health problems not only for ourselves, but our pets and equine companions.  As a veterinarian, a high percentage of problems in our patients can be contributed to what is termed ‘immune dysfunction’, but the ultimate question lies in how these problems are best managed to improve overall health and performance. The same problems are often encountered in people additionally, leaving an open door for desirable means of supporting the immune response.

Immune Dysfunction Read More »

The Many Health Benefits of Spirulina For the Horse

1 Comment / Equine Articles / By

How many food sources do you know that provide the ability to rejuvenate the body, enhance energy levels, support tissue healing and repair, detoxify, support the immune response and potentially ward off dangerous cancer all in ONE?  Spirulina blue green algae has been termed one of the many wonder foods of the world and has been used traditionally in many medicinal cultures to aid in the recovery of the ill and support overall health.  It could be considered potentially the only food you could possibly ever need!

The Many Health Benefits of Spirulina For the Horse Read More »

Skin Allergies and Itching in Dogs

Leave a Comment / Small Animal Articles / By

The itching, the scratching and more often than not, there is a foul odor noted with your dog. They seem miserable and uncomfortable most of the time, often requiring multiple visits to your veterinarian.  You’ve checked them for fleas.  Skin infections have been addressed, but the problem still persists. What is the cause?  Why do they scratch and why do they always smell irregardless of multiple baths?

Skin Allergies and Itching in Dogs Read More »

The Basics of Winter Care for Your Horse

Leave a Comment / Equine Articles / By

Do you feel the chill in the air?  Winter is coming and those of us with horses know what that means!  We’ve got some work to do, but hopefully, this isn’t our first time at the rodeo and we know what to expect.  For those of us who are new to all this winter horse stuff, I thought it might be beneficial too offer a few tips to make sure our horses stay happy and healthy, even in the cold!

The Basics of Winter Care for Your Horse Read More »

Horse Vaccination Strategies and Tips

Leave a Comment / Equine Articles / By

If you own a horse, one of the most important things you can do to maintain health is vaccinations, but it can also be a costly endeavor.  Everyone seems to have a strategy or recommendation, but the question is ‘what is right for your horse?’.  Well, that depends on many factors including location, exposure to other horses as well as general risk factors.  Another thing to consider is that vaccines are not without harm and over administration of vaccines can prove to be harmful in some circumstances.  Let’s explore the options and recommendations.

Horse Vaccination Strategies and Tips Read More »

The Competitive Horse and Stress

Leave a Comment / Equine Articles / By

The equine athlete is no different from us, as a human species, whether we are an athlete or not in our daily lives.  As individuals and living beings, we are in-tuned, in most instances, as to how different stressers, diets and activities impact our health and general well being.  For instance, we may know that spicy food may upset our stomachs or create a sense of heat in our bodies.  Or we may understand that over-exertion, whether physically or mentally, drains us of vital energy.  Given these apparent observations, why is it that we can listen to our own bodies and heed warnings, but when it comes to our equine companions, often we do not?

The Competitive Horse and Stress Read More »

Curcumin. The Power House of Health Protection for People and Animals

Leave a Comment / Equine Articles / By

Curcumin, the “Indian Solid Gold” is one of the most cherished spices in the world.  Health is something we all take for granted, but did you know that Curcumin taken daily can bring about dramatic health changes for the positive?  Whether if you suffer from chronic joint pain, lower back pain or overall stiffness, benefits can be seen.  In horses, we battle with joint deterioration, back complaints and overall unsoundness, chasing these conditions with expensive remedies combating something that could be better managed from another standpoint.  Even in horses, dramatic changes can be evident, often creating confusion as to how something so simple can have such far reaching effects.  Pets are no different, suffering from the same clinical maladies that affect humans.  They too can benefit immensely, restoring healthy, vitality and a quest for life.  So, why is this herb so wonderful?

Curcumin. The Power House of Health Protection for People and Animals Read More »

Joint Therapies in the Horse. Compliance and Effectiveness

Leave a Comment / Equine Articles / By

Osteoarthritis is a disease affecting all species and can affect almost any joint in the body.  The condition affects up to 70% of the humans, upwards of 60% of pets dependent on breed and approximately 70% of horses dependent on age and use.  It is a debilitating problem, causing not only pain and discomfort, but decreased range of motion, loss of use and decreased quality of life, not to mention decreased performance for the athlete.  The question comes as to how to best manage this condition with our eyes set on prevention.

Joint Therapies in the Horse. Compliance and Effectiveness Read More »