In May 2007 a 13 year old mare came down with a virus, initially the only horse on the yard to be coughing up thick phlem and generally unwell. As she was the only horse unwell, initial tests ruled out Strangles and after a trachea flush it was proven that this was a virus affect the airways.
Once tests were conclusive she was put on a course of anti-biotics and rested until the symptoms had passed. Further tests were carried out in July which showed the virus was still present and so a further course of antibiotics. By this time the mare had also developed a foot abcess as well as diarrhea, she was treated with a 5 day course of double dose wormer to eleviate the diarrhea and on box rest with twice daily poulitces for the foot abcess.
Generally this mares immune system was very weak and being challenged by all the drugs she was having to take, anti-biotics, ventipulmin, wormers and bute. So to aid the liver she was also put onto detox herbs as well as herbs to boost the immune system and further herbs for her general well being.
Come August the virus had cleared, the foot healed and the diarrhea stopped but still she was lethargic and showing no interest in anything. She was then diagnosed as having Post Viral Fatigure Syndrome (similar to ME in humans), prognosis was 6 months to 1 year to recover, if she recovered at all. Options were to leave her to get over it, more blood tests and drugs or perhaps try some Aloe Vera products.
Straight away the option was to try Aloe Drinking Gel at a high dose and see what happened, after six weeks the dose was reduced and by week 8 this 13 year old mare was more like a 4 year old with bags of energy! By 10 weeks she was totally recovered and back to normal in every way.
At the time this mare was put on the Aloe drinking gel - another horse on the yard who has arthritis was also given Freedom gel to try to help, after a few weeks of being on the gel she too came down with the virus. But we firmly believe because she was already taking the gel she recovered from the virus in less than a week and the only medication she needed was Bute for a few days to ease any discomfort from coughing!