Question
My three-day event horse has exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) and moderate equine asthma. My vet suggested I look for a DHA product, so I have been using EO-3 for the past four months. He loves it! I am now looking for a gut supplement and a joint supplement. I was specifically reviewing KER-Flex, ReSolvin EQ, and EquiShure. Because I already use EO-3, if I switched to ReSolvin EQ, would it be OK to stop EO-3 since ReSolvin EQ is a source of DHA? Would ReSolvin EQ cover ulcer protection? The fewer products I feed him, the better, as he is a picky eater.
Answer
What kind of digestive issues is he having? Is it stomach ulcers, free fecal water syndrome, or an unknown but suspected issue? Each of our digestive products has a different use so knowing what he needs will help in selecting the correct product.
RiteTrac provides total digestive tract protection (foregut and hindgut) through a proprietary blend of ingredients, including EquiShure. RiteTrac provides antacids and coating agents that quickly neutralize excess gastric acid and protect the stomach lining. It helps to form a protective barrier and restore a more normal gastric environment. EquiShure then acts on the hindgut by neutralizing excessive acid. Horses on RiteTrac experience quick symptom relief due to these fast-acting ingredients.
ReSolvin EQ is a product we developed that includes anti-inflammatory fatty acids EPA and DHA as well as another anti-inflammatory fatty acid GLA. These three fatty acids work together to help mediate the immune response, decreasing the inflammation through the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. In a research study conducted by Kentucky Equine Research, horses showed improved ulcer scores and some showed full resolution of ulcers after 90 days. ReSolvin EQ works over the long term, helping horses heal ulcers and prevent the inflammatory environment that leads to their development.
For supporting overall digestive comfort, RiteTrac will address both the foregut and hindgut, helping to alleviate symptoms quickly. ReSolvin EQ should be given at the same time, but as it can take 60-90 days to see the full effect of the supplement, it will not provide immediate support for the digestive tract. ReSolvin EQ contains a full serving of EO-3, so switching out EO-3 for ReSolvin EQ would be ideal. After 90 days, the RiteTrac can be discontinued and hopefully the horse can be maintained on just ReSolvin EQ.
For joint supplementation, we recommend KER-Flex, which contains high-quality glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients aid in the maintenance of joint integrity and minimize wear and tear.
