Clinical Evaluations
Metabolic Trials
During clinical evaluations, Equine Metabolic Support showed its ability to address equine metabolic challenges.
Equine Metabolic Support in a 4-month Evaluation
To determine the effects of Equine Metabolic Support on horses, clinical evaluations were conducted under the direction of a veterinarian. Twenty-nine horses were identified with elevated insulin, which can be associated with challenges to the metabolic system. Four veterinarians participated in the evaluations. The animals were given 1/4 cup (approximately 2 ounces) of Equine Metabolic Support daily for four months.
Results
The response in fasting insulin levels varied, but predominantly decreased (20 animals). Six animals had variable responses and three animals had increased levels. Figure 1 shows the average serum insulin level and corresponding blood glucose levels over the course of the trial for all animals. Even though blood glucose levels rose slightly, they still remained within the normal range for a horse.
Figure 1:
Visual Assessment
Another common diagnostic tool for metabolic challenges is physical observation. Animals with metabolic challenges express a variety of physical attributes. The attending veterinarians were asked to evaluate changes in physical and behavioral characteristics before and after supplementation. Figure 2 shows their responses; higher levels indicate a deteriorating condition and lower values indicate an improved condition. Thirteen responses were recorded. The animals generally improved in all categories.
Figure 2
Conclusion
The attending veterinarians found value in the product with significant perceived benefits to the animal. The product has been found to be safe and palatable. This study contained no control group and represents the observations and measurements of insulin levels and blood glucose levels by the attending veterinarians.
Mobility Trials
In clinical evaluations supervised by a veterinarian, Equine Mobility Support showed improvement in lameness scores.
First Trial: Eight-Week Evaluation of Lameness
Horses representing different breeds, ages, and gender were evaluated prior to initiating the study to define their lameness. Animals having a spavin score of greater than 1 in a leg joint were recruited. Fifteen horses were enrolled in the study and were given ¼ cup (approximately 2 ounces) of Equine Mobility Support daily for 60 days. Equine participants were re-evaluated at thirty-day intervals. Change in spavin score, or lack thereof, was noted after 30 and 60 days. Serum chemistry and complete blood cell counts were performed prior to and during the study to assure no unexpected side effects developed during the study.
Initial Results
All horses, with one exception, showed improvement of aggregate spavin score (total for all limbs) by 30 days (see Figure 3). At 60 days, all horses showed continued improvement. In addition, there were no actionable changes in blood chemistries. Subjective comments from the trainers involved indicated many animals showed much greater range of motion although this wasn't measured directly.
Second Trial: Follow-up to First Trial
Eighteen additional animals were recruited for assessment. These animals were more active (dressage, endurance, jumping, therapy) and likely to exhibit different stress symptoms/indicators on their limbs. Sixteen animals finished the 60-day trial with a similar protocol. The two animals withdrawn from the study were not fed the supplement during the time the owners were on vacation. The results support those found in our initial trial (see Figure 3).
These studies contained no control group and represent the observations and measurements by the attending veterinarian.
Figure 2