|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - EQUINE PRODUCTS
1. What is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, radical-free gas that
reacts rapidly with oxygen to form other nitrogen oxides,
and ultimately is converted to nitrite and nitrate; It is a
gaseous mediator of cell-to-cell communication and potent
vasodilator, formed from L-Arginine in bone, brain,
endothelium, granulocytes, pancreatic beta cells, and
peripheral nerves by a constitutive nitric oxide synthase,
and in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, macrophages, and smooth
muscle by inducible nitric oxide synthase. NO may be the
first known retrograde neurotransmitter.
The nitric oxide molecule is a product of various tissues
and plays a role in various processes. Nitric oxide (NO) is
elaborated by endothelium, which is identical to
endothelium-derived relaxing factor, dilates vessels by
relaxing vascular smooth muscle; nitrites used in coronary
and peripheral vascular disease induce or mimic this action.
The 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology was awarded
to 3 U.S. pharmacologists, Robert F. Furchgott, Ferid Murad,
and Louis J. Ignarro, for their independent discoveries of
the role of nitric oxide in cardiovascular physiology.
In the immune system, macrophages use NO as a cytotoxic
agent. Deficiency or inactivation of NO may contribute to
the pathogenesis of both hypertension and atherosclerosis. (Stedmans
Medical Dictionary 27th edition)
2. Difference between NO and nitrous oxide and
nitroglycerin?
Nitric oxide is defined above.
Nitrous oxide: A colorless, odorless gas used as an
anesthetic and analgesic. It is a nonflammable,
non-explosive gas that will support combustion; widely used
as a rapidly acting; rapidly reversible, non-depressant, and
nontoxic inhalation analgesic to supplement other
anesthetics and analgesics. (Stedmans Medical Dictionary
27th Edition)
Nitroglycerin: An explosive yellowish oily fluid formed by
the action of sulphuric and nitric acids on glycerin. It is
used as a vasodilator, especially in angina pectoris
patients. Nitroglycerin generates nitric oxide. (Stedmans
Medical Dictionary 27th Edition)
Top >>
3. How are these products delivering nitric oxide to the
system?
These products supply the precursors (raw materials) that
the body uses to manufacture nitric oxide. These are stored
in the smooth muscle (lining of blood vessels) and produce
nitric oxide upon demand. Without sufficient precursors, the
body cannot produce sufficient nitric oxide.
Top >>
4. Proof that nitric oxide works:
There are hundreds of books and many thousands of research
papers written about the benefits of nitric oxide.
Top >>
5. Why must my horse have an empty stomach?
Feed in the stomach upsets the synergy of the ingredients,
rendering it weak. With no food in the stomach, there will
be an insulin reaction in the small intestine delivering the
full dosage immediately into the bloodstream.
Top >>
6. How to get an empty stomach?
You must fast the horse for 1 hour before, and 1 hour after
dosing. This is a routine that each owner must find will
work best for them.
If your horse cleans up all his feed, every morsel, dose 1st
thing in the AM, then wait 1 hour and feed as you normally
do.
Place the horse in an empty stall with a clean swept floor
for the 2 hour fasting period.
Safely tie the horse. Make sure you do not force any horse
to stand tied, who is in great pain like a laminitic horse,
or horse with serious musculoskeletal problems.
Have the horse wear a muzzle. Some horses quickly learn how
to sneak feed in through the holes; make sure yours is not
able to do this.
If your horse is able to be worked, use his
grooming/exercise and cooling out time, as part of the 2
hour fasting period. Simply dose after the first hour, and
continue as you were.
If you only have one window in your day when you can dose,
but need at least 2 doses in: After the first dose is given,
1 1/2 hours later dose again, then fast one last hour. Each
dose lasts 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on each horses needs.
By compounding them this way, some have a very good result.
Top >>
7. How to dose:
Dosage is 3cc per 100 lbs. body weight. This is 30cc for a
1,000 pound horse. (*Pony's, minis and donkeys normal dose
is 6cc powder per 100 lbs. body weight. This is required due
to their metabolism.)
When you open up a 60cc oral dosing syringe, place your
finger over the bottom so powder can not spill out. Measure
your dose by filling to the cc's on the syringe. The scoop
in the bottle holds approx. 28.9cc powder.
Add water a little at a time, and mix with a butter knife to
make a slurry. The amount of water does not matter; add what
you need to get the consistency that is easiest for you to
give to your horse.
Put the syringe back together. Use something narrow to push
the powder in the tip in.
Place syringe gently into the corner of the horse's mouth,
and squirt it onto his tongue slowly as he swallows.
If he is reluctant to swallow, gently tickle his tongue with
the syringe and when he starts to work his tongue, then
slowly squirt and he will swallow.
Top >>
8. How do I accurately estimate my horse's weight?
Equation is: Heartgirth X heartgirth X Body length, Divided
by 330 = estimated body weight
Measure with a regular measuring tape from point of shoulder
to point of buttocks. Then measure completely around the
heartgirth, just behind the front legs over the highest
point of the withers. Multiply heartgirth x 2, and then
multiply length by that, then divide total by 330. The
answer should be within 24 lbs. of the horse's actual body
weight. Horses who are pregnant, or are conformationally
unbalanced will be more difficult to get an accurate
reading.
Texas A&M published a study with this body weight equation.
In one Florida study they found when only visual observation
was used, 88% of the horses were underestimated in their
actual weight. The horse's average weight was underestimated
by an average of 186 lbs.
Top >>
9. What if I put the dose in feed or my horse eats a little?
This product can not be given with any feed. If he eats even
1 mouthful of feed, your dose will be wasted because it will
not be able to work.
Top >>
10. Where can I find a muzzle?
Stateline tack has a plastic one that works fairly well,
most horses can not get feed through it, but some still can
shove feed through the holes in the sides. KV Vet supply has
a wire one that is more comfortable, but some horses will be
able to get hay through the holes in the wire. Prices range
from $22 -$32. It is best to remove as much hay as possible
while the horse is muzzled to avoid frustrating the horse,
or him maneuvering hay into the muzzle to eat.
Top >>
11. I have a small pony, how do I find a muzzle to fit her?
Stateline tack has a small wire one for minis. They can get
hay through the wire if they try. We have found the larger
horse size plastic muzzle works fine on a small pony if you
tie a soft shoelace on the top of the muzzle to hold it in
place, so it does not slip off the pony's nose. They might
be able to get hay through the holes, but will have a harder
time reaching it.
Top >>
12. I need the muzzle now, and do not have time to wait for
one to arrive mail order:
You can make one using a plastic gallon milk jug. These tend
to not be very strong, and if you can find a stronger
plastic, like a gallon mineral oil container, it will last
longer. Make very certain that you make it as comfortable
and breathable as possible. Make many holes for easy
breathing, drinking and drainage. Cut holes to tie onto the
halter on 4 equal sides, including bottom and top. Tie with
shoelaces. Make certain the horse is comfortable and can
breathe easily, and it does not cause him undo stress. Do
not use any container that has contained any harmful
substances. Thoroughly clean and dry the container you do
use.
Top >>
13. My horse sneaks feed in through the sides of the muzzle:
This is a horse that will need to be placed into a stall
with a clean floor, or tied, or you will have to try and
find a comfortable muzzle where it is impossible for her to
get feed through it. Sneaking little bits of feed only
wastes the dose given.
Top >>
14. Can my horse have water?
Absolutely, never withhold water from any horse. Just make
sure it is clean and fresh, and does not have any additives
that will prevent the product from working.
Top >>
15. What is a nitric oxide inhibitor?
Any substance, drug, or herb that blocks nitric oxide
formation. These will not allow nitric oxide delivering
products to work.
Top >>
16. What drugs/herbs are nitric oxide inhibitors:
The list is very long. Basically any drug or herb or
substance that is an anti inflammatory will be a nitric
oxide inhibitor. Bute, banamine, ketoprophen,
tetracycline's, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin sulfate,
Devils claw, yucca and Dexamethasone, (Azium) are a few very
common nitric oxide inhibitors. If you have a question about
any drug or substance, please call the office or email and
we will get an answer for you.
Top >>
17. Effects of other drugs when given in conjunction with
nitric oxide delivering products:
Since nitric oxide is a vasodilator, it will enhance any
other substances that are given to the horse. Do not give
sedatives (ace, rompun, (xylazine), dormosedan, etc.),
concurrently when giving a nitric oxide delivering product.
These and others like narcotics will be greatly intensified.
Wait at least 6 hours after dosing with these products
before giving a drug or substance like a sedative,
anesthetic, narcotic, etc.
Top >>
18. How long does each dose last?
1 1/2 to 3 hours in the horses system. This is why dosing
frequently, even as often as every 3-4 hours many times
brings excellent results very quickly.
Top >>
19. Can I premix my dose for later in the day?
No, please mix and dose immediately. The dose will loose its
potency if it is pre mixed.
Make certain the bottle is stored in a cool dry place with
the lid on tight.
Top >>
20. Will the slurry stain my clothes?
Yes, wear something you do not mind getting dirty. It is
better to mix your dose outside in the barn, instead of in
your kitchen in case of spills.
Top >>
21. The vet wants my horse on antibiotics, can he also be on
nitric oxide delivering products?
Yes, as long as you are not using tetracycline's, give the
antibiotics as the vet recommends, and then dose with the
nitric oxide delivering products an hour later.
Top >>
22. Why is my horse not responding?
The most common reasons for poor response are:
The horse's stomach is not empty at the time of dosing, or
is allowed to eat too soon after dosing.
The dosage is not enough for this particular horse's
condition. Some horses with severe problems require double
dosing and more frequent dosing at the beginning.
The horse is receiving a nitric oxide inhibitor, and this
will not allow the product to be effective.
Because of their metabolism, ponies, minis and donkeys
require 6cc powder per 100 lbs bodyweight as their normal
dose. Double dosing for one of these little guys is 12cc per
100 lbs. body weight.
It is crucial to have a veterinarian's diagnosis, and
correctly address the whole problem. If other very important
factors are not being addressed, then your horse's chances
of a complete recovery are greatly reduced. Nitric oxide is
a very crucial part of the the body's own healing process,
but antibiotics, proper bandaging techniques, wound care,
farrier care, etc. depending on the horses problem are all
necessary if your treating veterinarian prescribes them.
Top >>
23. If I fast my horse in the morning while others are
eating she will tear the barn down, what can I do?
Feed her along with the others, and later in the morning
after she has finished, fast her for the 2 hour period and
dose after the first hour. Or, dose her 1 hour before you
normally feed all the horses, then she will be able to eat
with the others.
Top >>
24. After a few uses, my 60cc syringe is sticking and making
it hard to push the product in:
At the very beginning, before and after dosing, dip the
rubber stopper into mineral oil to keep it running smooth.
After a time the rubber stopper will begin to swell and it
will become necessary to replace the syringe.
Top >>
25. A 60cc syringe is too large for my hand to comfortably
push in:
Use a smaller 35cc syringe and just mix 1/2 of your dose at
a time. Make sure you have made the hole larger at the end,
so it is easier to push the slurry through.
Top >>
26. After an hour of fasting, my horse still had some tiny
bits of feed in her mouth:
Some horses can stand there for an hour and just hold a
little feed in their mouth, like a kid with a gumball.
Before you mix your dose, flush the mouth out with water
from your syringe, and make sure she didn't swallow any
bits. Then go ahead and dose.
Top >>
27. Where can I learn more about nitric oxide?
There are many hundreds of books and thousands of research
papers written about nitric oxide, since research is being
conducted constantly and new developments are being recorded
it is important to understand that some information may be
outdated.
Some excellent books are:
"The Arginine Solution" by Robert Fried, PhD and Woodson C.
Merrill, MD
"Nitric Oxide in Health and Disease" by Lincoln, Hoyle, and
Burnstock
"Nitric Oxide in Bone and Joint Disease" by Hukkanen, Polak,
and Hughes
Also: over the internet:
www.diabetesincontrol.com\burkeseries.shtml This is a 12
part series describing the many benefits of nitric oxide
"National Institute of Health" www.nih.gov and type in
"nitric oxide"
www.google.com type in "nitric oxide"
Top >>
28. Can I give vitamins?
Yes, as long as they do not contain any ingredients that are
nitric oxide inhibitors, they are fine to give when you are
normally feeding your horse. Just do not feed anything while
you are doing your fasting.
Top >>
29. What if my horse is on the product and colic's or has
another reason to need banamine or bute?
A colicking or very ill horse needs immediate veterinary
attention. Call out your vet immediately, follow his/her
directions, and begin dosing again with your nitric oxide
delivering product after your horse is no longer requiring
bute, banamine or any other nitric oxide inhibitor.
Top >>
30. My horse has laminitis and she was responding great to
the product, then I turned her out, now she is worse. What
happened?
Even though the horse has responded very well to the
product, feels better and you feel she can be turned out
again; it is crucial to remember that the horse has
sustained damage to the lamina. Some horses only sustain a
little, some much more, every horse is different. Even if
the horse's coffin bone has not rotated, the lamina is still
damaged and needs time to improve. Turning the horse out too
soon, will only cause more damage to occur, and worsen your
horse's chances of the best recovery possible. Only allow
your horse to begin exercising again when your treating
veterinarian has given the OK. If your horse has any little
setbacks, take them seriously, and begin aggressive
treatment again before more damage occurs. The laminitic
horse should continue on the product throughout the body's
healing process. This will lessen any chances of
reoccurrences, and speed up the recovery time.
Top >>
31. What is the best footing for a laminitic horse?
Soft level deeply bedded. Using layers of
shavings/straw/shavings and banked thick on the sides of the
stall makes a comfortable bed for the laminitic horse. Using
sand, 6-8" deep is also desirable. Make certain your horse
does not eat sand or straw with either of these choices,
(colic is not what the laminitic horse needs to contend
with). What is most important is the horse needs to be able
to place his feet in the best position of comfort, usually
they choose to point their toes downward, to relieve
pressure from the deep digital flexor tendon pulling on the
coffin bone.
Top >>
32. Can my laminitis horse have treats?
Yes, a horse suffering from laminitis should receive lots of
love and comfort food. But make certain they are reasonable,
and do not give anything to excess. Do not give a horse
suffering from laminitis sweet feed or other grain, it can
worsen his condition. Giving little mashes with carrots and
apples are greatly appreciated. Peppermints are loved by
some horses too.
Top >>
33. When can my laminitis horse go back outside?
When your veterinarian gives the OK, and you must still be
very cautious. Start very slow, with controlled hand walking
on soft level ground, and no sharp turns. Be extra observant
and diligent about checking for signs of pain or even mild
discomfort. Check for digital pulses, and make sure your
horse is improved enough to not have a reoccurrence. With
the first sign of pain, get the horse slowly back into the
stall and begin your treatment regimen with NitrOxide,
LaminOXIDE AM/PM, or NutraWound whichever you have been
using, again and also get your vet and farrier out to
reevaluate and support your horse. Laminitic horses can be
100% cured, but much time, patience, and diligent hard work
many times has to be taken, for a full recovery.
Top >>
34. Where can I learn more about laminitis to help my horse?
We are in the process of writing a very helpful article
about laminitis. Please look on the site for it, or email
with any questions and we will do all we can to help.
There are several excellent books available on laminitis:
"Understanding Laminitis" by Ric Redden DVM,
"Explaining Laminitis and it's Prevention" by Robert A.
Eustace BVSc Cert. E.O. Cert. E.P. MRCVS "All About
Laminitis" by Karen Coumbe MRCVS.
Learning as much as you can about his devastating disease
process is priceless if you ever have to deal with this
problem.
Top >>
35. Do these products lower blood pressure?
Yes, nitric oxide relaxes the walls of the veins and
arteries and causes vasodilation, and does reduce the
systemic blood pressure. Very rarely a horse will normally
have a low blood pressure, and after giving a very large,
usually a double dose of one of these products can cause the
horse to become very relaxed, and appear somewhat sedated.
This is a very rare occurrence, and this horse would be one
who would need a smaller dose of the product.
Top >>
36. Why do you sell GluChon MSM-C when it's formula contains
nitric oxide inhibitors?
Total Health Enhancement recognizes the need for an
excellent joint supplement. Yes, it does contain nitric
oxide inhibitors, and therefore could not be used in
conjunction with any of our nitric oxide delivering
products. The key differences in Total Health's GluChon MSM-C
formula and others on the market are not only on the quality
and strengths of each key ingredient, but also very
importantly in the delivery system. GluChon MSM-C is
absorbed into the bloodstream, instead of through the
digestive tract like other oral fed joint supplements. The
way GluChon MSM-C is absorbed into the bloodstream allows
the horse to benefit from 100% of the ingredients given.
Other joint supplements that are absorbed through the
digestive tract only allow the horse to benefit from 1/5 to
1/4 of the given ingredients.
Top >>
37. How do I choose the right product for my horse?
Our customer support service is here to help you via email
or the phone. We will do our best to help you choose the
correct product and help you with any questions you may
have. Customer support email
contact@totalhealthenhance.com
Top >>
|
