THANK YOU!

We are pleased to announce that we have been selected as a FINALIST for the 22nd Annual Loudoun County Small Business Awards. Nominated by our clients and judged by our peers, we take great pride in this achievement.

Beyond the award, being recognized for operational excellence helps us strengthen our reputation in the regional business community which allows us to continue to grow our practice and deliver the best in equine veterinary medicine.

Thank you for your continued support of Total Equine Veterinary Associates. 

Please take a moment to cast your vote for us in the 2016 Loudoun Small Business Awards "People's Choice" competition. Just click the VOTE NOW button above!

VOTING ENDS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 at 5pm.

Chinese Herbs in Equine Medicine

Dr. Sallie Hyman, VMD, DACVIM, CVA

Chinese herbs have been used in the treatment of equine disease for thousands of years. In fact, they were the some of the first treatments documented to have been used. Their use is becoming more widespread and accepted as more veterinarians study Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) and clients seek out alternative and integrative therapies for their horses.

Much of what is known about the efficacy of Chinese herbs is anecdotal, that is, it is based on experience, not research, but more recently, several controlled studies have been conducted that show efficacy of Chinese herbs for certain conditions, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive issues. The efficacy of several herbs are also known, as modern drugs are derivatives of herbs or synthetic versions of compounds found in herbs.

Chinese herbs must not be mistaken for supplements. These are powerful medications that should only be given under the guidance of a veterinarian trained in TCVM and when a TCVM diagnosis has been made.

Many Chinese herbs are combined into formulas in order to have synergistic effects. This allows for better outcomes than if individual herbs are used. Herbal formulas can be used for both chronic and acute conditions. Commonly treated conditions include: arthritis, muscle soreness, respiratory conditions, behavior conditions, ulcers, mare reproductive problems, live problems, and skin conditions. The one thing that Chinese herbs cannot treat is any condition that requires surgery.

Some concerns exist over the sourcing of herbs. There have been, unfortunately, products made with herbs sourced from areas with heavy metal contamination, such as mercury and arsenic. At Total Equine Veterinary Associates, we use only Jing-Tang herbal products that are sourced from known areas without contamination.

Herbal remedies often take longer to show results. Treatment may take weeks to months. Clients need to take this into consideration when deciding if herbal treatments are something they want to try.

Some of Dr. Sallie Hyman's favorite Chinese herbal formulas include:

• Body Sore: Invigorates Qi/Blood, resolves stagnation. For horses who are muscle sore from work but not tied up.
• Shen Calmer: Nourish Heart Yin and Blood calm down Shen, and soothe Liver Qi. For nervous horses.
• Tendon/Ligament: Nourish Liver Yin and Blood, strengthen tendons and ligaments. For horses with tendon and ligament injuries.
• Stomach Happy: Nourish Yin, move Qi and resolve stagnation. For gastric ulcers.

If you are interested in learning if Chinese herbs might be right for your horse, please call for an appointment.

HELP US HELP YOU
Make the Most of Your Vet Appointment

1. Be on time and have your horse caught and haltered. To maximize the time your vet can spend with you, please have your horse ready, especially if your horse is difficult to catch!
2. Make sure your horse is clean enough for the vet to examine. Whether needing to look good for Coggins photos or facilitating preparation for procedures or vaccines, a clean horse is less likely to have negative reactions.
3. Work with your horse and teach good manners. Not every horse enjoys a visit from the vet, but if it has basic manners things will go much more smoothly. Simple leading, trotting a straight line and the ability to stand quietly for temperature taking are imperative.
4. Write down questions and concerns beforehand. Present your list at the start of the appointment. Large concerns that are forgotten until the end of the exam cannot be properly addressed at the end of the appointment.

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