What It Can And Cannot Tell You
This online podcast about microbiome testing was been sent to me by several clients so I thought I would share it with all of you. There is a lot of good information presented! The first half of this podcast is a discussion on allergy testing. I do not have an opinion one way or another on that topic because I don’t know enough about it. The second half discusses microbiome testing. Since my company sells microbiome testing services I thought it would be helpful to provide general information that clarifies what a microbiome test can and cannot do and why we believe it is an increasingly valuable tool for horse owners.
Here is one of my favorite presentations on the Equine Microbiome. In this video (published online by “The Horse”), Dr. Carolyn Arnold does a fantastic job of explaining the microbiome and shares what her research on colic, colitis, and the microbiome revealed. Keep in mind that this presentation was done nearly 6 years ago. Equine microbiome knowledge has grown rapidly since that time.
The Current State Of Education And Equine Research
Equine nutritionists study and understand the role the microbiota plays in the degradation, fermentation, combustion, and digestion of food by the horse, but they do not do a deep dive into the complex relationship between the microbiota and the enteric nervous system and their relationship to the maintenance of the body systems. This is the realm of microbiologists.
The "Independent Equine Nutritionist"
It is my opinion that we do not have “independent equine nutritionists” coming out of our University programs. Large corporate interests sponsor curriculum, including nutrition at our Universities. Veterinarians, equine nutritionists, animal science graduates, and anyone else involved in the care of horses receive nutrition education via coursework/research tied to those companies. Because of this I I believe that the idea that an individual is “independent” because they do not work for any one particular feed company is misleading. The dictionary defines “independent” as “not influenced by others in opinion, actions, thinking or acting.” Thinking and acting with autonomy.
There are an increasing number of independent, evidence-based veterinary care professionals, like Travis Einertson, DVM, in Rochester,MN! Dr. Einertson achieved a 70+% remission in feline diabetes in his patients simply by getting them off kibble and onto a species-appropriate diet (check out Dr. Einertson’s work on animal and human nutrition).
Thomas Schell, DVM applies evidence-based medicine, advocates the elimination of ALL processed feeds from a horse’s diet, and balances Western & Eastern medicine to effect change in his equine patients (check out Dr. Schell’s work at Nouvelle Research).
Dr. Ann Marie Hancock DVM, EDO integrates functional medicine with techniques like osteopathy, acupuncture, whole food diets, and herbal medicine to achieve better health and mobility in her patients at True North Equine Veterinary Services. I consider these folks to be are “independent”.
I do not think the big feed companies are “bad”, but their origin story was not based on horse health but was based on their desire to avoid paying to dispose of hazardous waste by finding ways to feed it to non-food animals. While it is possible to kill pathogens and bacteria with heat and infrared light, the increase in metabolic dysfunction in our horses has been linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in their environment, chemicals that are also known to destroy the microbiome. There is no known way to remove those chemicals from food or water so avoiding exposure is the best way to protect your horse. Demand Clean!
The Science
There is very little funding for equine research available from the US Government because we do not eat horses. Research is important so scientists working at University centers will seek funding from other sources, like corporations. This is necessary, but as we have slid deeper into a “better living with chemicals” world, research outcomes are increasingly bought and paid for, often before research has even begun. “White Wash” by Cari Gillam goes into great detail about the intersection of Monsanto/Bayer money, universities, researchers, and the FDA/USDA to lay bare the destruction of science to protect profits. While the book focuses on Monsanto, the manipulation and/or falsification of data is not unusual or exceptional but is increasingly common. To gain greater insight into how the scientific methodology has been warped to protect profits, pick up a copy of “Science For Sale” by David Levering Lewis.
I believe that selling scientific outcomes undermines the validity of research and undermines the integrity of scientists who dedicate their lives to finding solutions to some of our most troublesome problems, including those associated with the trends in chronic health problems across species.
The Status Of Microbiome Research
Do we have enough data to determine parameters for what a “healthy” microbiome in a horse looks like?
Yes. Knowledge of the importance of a healthy microbiome dates back to the Dong-jin Dynasty in China (ad 317- 420). Pockets of research and experimentation related to the gut-brain axis have existed throughout time, but pivotal microbiome research started in Europe in the 1840s under Pediatrician Theodor Escherick. Dr. Escherick’s work was carried on by Pediatrician Henry Tissier, Immunologist Ilya Metchnikov, and Medical Microbiologist Alfred Nissle.
More than a century later their work has re-emerged and been expanded with the development of rapid and affordable sequencing tools to forward the Human Microbiome Project.
New data from wild herds, domestic herds, and individual horses has been deliberately collected, sequenced, categorized, and collated at many research institutions and universities. A picture has emerged that allows researchers to establish boundaries to describe a “healthy’ microbiome in a horse.
Does a healthy microbiome look the same in all horses?
No. The microbiome of horses varies from horse to horse. It is; however, known that greater diversity and species richness in the microbiome are associated with good health while poor diversity and a lack of species richness in the microbiome are often associated with poor health. This information can be gleaned from a properly collected fecal sample.
Are there accommodations within the “healthy” range for differences in the geography, feeding programs and overall environment horses live in?
Yes. There is growing knowledge about how the microbiome differs based on geographical and environmental differences. There is also a growing body of knowledge about how the type of work a horse performs impacts the microbiome.
Can a microbiome analysis help me restore the health of my horse?
Depends. A microbiome test does not diagnose disease but gives you information that may help you manage your horse’s diet to improve their health and restore homeostasis. Establishing and maintaining balance in the microbiome requires taking an educated and honest look at every aspect of the horse’s living environment/care. From there you can seek guidance to slowly implement changes to support and promote systemic health.
Will feeding a probiotic prevent dysbiosis?
Depends. We do not advocate long-term feeding of probiotics because it is unclear whether or not the routine feeding of a probiotic is harmful or beneficial to the horse. Our case studies have shown that short-term feeding of a probiotic in combination with prebiotic foods and a whole-food diet can effectively recolonize and rebalance the microbiome in a horse experiencing poor health. Give the body what it needs and it will maintain homeostasis.
Do antibiotics and NSAIDs have a negative impact on the microbiome of the horse?
Yes. It is a widely known fact that antibiotics and many other drug therapies have an adverse impact on the microbiome. It is important to discuss the management of the microbiome with your veterinarian when your horse is put on any medication. I do suggest that people feed a probiotic several hours after administration of an antibiotic. I also suggest that a horse be given probiotics during times of extreme stress: travel, increased work/training, showing, and moving locations instead of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). A growing body of evidence correlates chronic kidney disease to regular use of PPI so I advocate a more natural way to support the horse’s gastric health.
In conclusion, the landscape of equine nutrition and healthcare is undergoing significant evolution, driven by a deeper understanding of the microbiome and its intricate relationship with overall health. While traditional approaches to equine nutrition often reflect corporate interests, there is a rising tide of independent professionals championing evidence-based practices for optimal horse well-being. The microbiome, once a relatively obscure aspect of equine health, has now emerged as a focal point for research and practical application. Through studies like Dr. Arnold's exploration of the equine gut microbiome, we are gaining insights that can revolutionize how we care for our horses. Despite challenges such as limited funding and the commercialization of research outcomes, strides are being made to define and promote a healthy equine microbiome. Microbiome testing offers a valuable tool for horse owners, providing insights that can guide dietary interventions and promote systemic health. As we navigate the complexities of equine healthcare, it becomes increasingly clear that a holistic approach, informed by scientific inquiry and independent expertise, is essential for ensuring the well-being of our equine companions. By embracing this paradigm shift we can forge a path towards healthier, happier horses and a more enlightened future for equine care.
