Devil's claw and yucca question

[Debbie]

Hi all, I have a niggling question. A friend of mine has an ancient pony that's feeling the cold and damp this winter. She's struggling to get up and down, poor girl, and my friend wanted to use Devil's claw and yucca for her. She's also had a vet on her team from the get go. The vet has given her bute for the worst days, but friend wants to try something kinder to an aging body.

I cannot for the life of me remember what is it you're not supposed to use if you have the pony on Devil's Claw and/or yucca?? My brain has this red flag by it, but cannot remember what is supposed to be avoided Feeling daft...

[zeldalithgow]

I've no idea Debbie, I've got Prince and Daisy on turmeric and ginger to help with mobility, and Boswellia is said to be good as well

Boswellia powder
Also known as Indian Frankincense, resin from the boswellia plant is ground into a powder containing boswellic acid. This has proven to be a favourite alternative to bute, and is found in research to be chondro-protective as well. Boswellia however is very gentle on the whole gastrointestinal tract and safe for long term use, and has in fact shown to be very useful in maintaining normal colonic function.

[valerie n scout]

oh I cant help either Debbie, its you guys I come to for the homeopathic and none medicine stuffs x

[harveydales]

I've used the Equine America's version of Devils Claw with Yucca older horses and I think it has helped - always hard to know for sure. I have also used it alongside the odd few days of Bute with no problems although I believe there is some evidence that Devil's Claw can have the same adverse effects on the system as Bute so wouldn't really want to use them together on a regular basis, especially on an older pony.

I think Yucca alone is fine. There is some evidence Tumeric and also certain Rosehip extracts have anti inflammatory effects and are fine for older animals. I did try Boswellia for Quest but he wouldn't touch it. Good old omega oils are also worth a try perhaps?

For serious pain and struggling to get up i would stick with bute because I know it helps. I've had horses on Bute for many years without side effects.

Sorry, not much help really.

[benjismum]

I used to have my mare on this and the only thing I can remember is not to use anti-inflammatory drugs at the same time, and it can't be used if the horse has a gastric ulcer, but I can't remember not being able to feed anything else.

[lucydales]

Do self selection on your pone and they will know what they need. For me PLEASE don't put it in their food as they'll have no choice but to eat it whether they want to or not. Devil's Claw is anti inflamatory and anelgiesic and works best masticated so may help. Don't know about Yucca. Spikenard and Frankinsence are good essential oiils for end of life if that's not too hard for your friend.

[mickey]

Devil's claw shouldn't be used in pregnancy or in cases with gastric ulcers. I'd be very wary of using it alongside any medications- firstly it hasn't been tested and 2ndly there are some potential interactions.
I personally prefer to use meds that have been tested and the sideeffects are known, as well as the correct doses. But that's just my personal thoughts

[Debbie]

Grrrr! My internet connection died and ate my post

Thank you one and all for your responses

I knew it shouldn't be used during pregnancy, but Frosty's seriously not preggers. It sounds like bute was the thing to watch out for mixing with the herbs. Common sense, but I will mention it to her that its an either/or scenario.

I'm sure in Frosty's case she'll consider whatever will bring the best quality of life. Frosty's been having difficulties with getting up and laying down since last spring. Not nonstop difficulties, but enough that my friend wants to help her. Luckily she's not a 'keep pony going at all costs' type. Each time she's had the vet out to explore options and more importantly to assess Frosty's quality of life. Thusfar Frosty's enjoying herself too much to call it a day, so my friend's trying to find what will make Frosty the most comfortable.