Mycosis and fungi in horses, complete guide

The hoof horn protects the foot and helps cushion it. When it becomes dry, brittle, or uneven, the horse may experience discomfort and be prone to cracks or sensitivity on certain types of terrain.

These vulnerabilities are common during seasonal changes and depending on the environment.
Here's how to understand the causes, recognize the warning signs, and take action with concrete solutions.

Why can hoof horn become brittle?

Understanding the causes of poor hoof quality is essential in order to take effective action. In most cases, several factors combine to gradually weaken the foot: living conditions, trimming, mechanical stress, and nutritional balance.

Here are the main factors that can cause dry, brittle, or uneven corneas:

• Alternating humidity and dryness causes the water content of the horn to vary and promotes cracking.
• Inappropriate trimming or shoeing, or excessive delays between two interventions.
• Poor environment (mud, wet bedding, urine), which softens the horn and weakens the frog.
• Poor diet or diet lacking in nutrients beneficial to keratinized tissues.
• Significant mechanical stress (abrasive soil, intense work), which increases wear and tear and microtrauma.

What signs should raise alarm bells?

The symptoms may go unnoticed at first, especially if the horse compensates by changing its footing. However, certain visible signs on the foot or changes in locomotion should attract the owner's attention.

Being attentive to these symptoms allows for faster and more effective treatment. Here are the main signs to watch out for:

• Dull, dry surface with chips or brittle areas.
• Cracks or fissures (seimes), sometimes painful if they deepen.
• White line that is fragile or coming apart, with accumulation of dirt.
• Soft, foul-smelling fork, often associated with excess moisture and lack of ventilation.
• Sensitivity on hard/rocky ground, shortened strides, or hesitation to put your foot down.
• Unusual warmth in the foot or discomfort when handling (foot care, cleaning).

How can you effectively care for hoof horn?

When faced with this type of problem, a comprehensive approach is recommended, combining hygiene measures, environmental management, monitoring by a farrier, and nutritional support if necessary.

Here are some practical tips to help your horse regain healthier, more even, and more comfortable hooves:

• Schedule regular follow-ups: on average every 5 to 8 weeks, depending on growth and activity.
• Clean and inspect the feet: frog, white line, wall, and presence of foreign bodies.
• Clean up the environment: dry area, clean bedding, limited muddy areas, drainage if possible.
• Depending on the weather: prioritize cleanliness in wet conditions, support flexibility in dry conditions.
• Balanced diet: high-quality forage and adequate mineral intake.
• Consult quickly in case of lameness, strong odor, or deep cracks.

In addition to these measures, a nourishing external treatment can help preserve the elasticity of the horn and protect the foot from everyday wear and tear.

Opti Horn: a natural treatment to nourish and protect hooves

Conclusion

High-quality hooves are built over time: proper trimming, clean feet, a healthy environment, and a balanced diet make all the difference. By identifying dryness, cracks, or fragility in the frog early on, you can protect your horse's comfort and mobility.

As part of a natural prevention approach, Opti Horn by Lore & Science can be a useful ally in nourishing, protecting, and providing comfort to the hoof, complementing good daily practices.

FAQ

A dog's immune system plays a vital role in protecting its body against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When its defenses are balanced, dogs are more resistant to infections and recover more easily after illness or surgery.

However, many factors can weaken immunity: age, stress, an unbalanced diet, chronic diseases, or heavy treatments. A dog with weakened immune defenses becomes more vulnerable to recurrent infections, allergies, or digestive disorders.

Why can a dog's immune system become weakened?

The dog's immune system is a complex set of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to defend the body. Over time or under the influence of various factors, this balance can become fragile.

Among the most common causes of weakened immune defenses are:

• Advanced age: senior dogs naturally have weaker immune systems.
• A poor-quality diet, low in nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids)
• Chronic stress (changes in routine, loneliness, moving house, arrival of a new pet, etc.)
• Chronic diseases (kidney failure, hormonal disorders, autoimmune diseases, etc.).
• Parasitic infestations repeated (fleas, ticks, intestinal worms)
• Heavy or prolonged treatments that may disrupt the immune balance
• A polluted or irritating environment (cigarette smoke, harsh household products, pollution)

Often, it is not just one but several of these causes that combine and ultimately weaken a dog's immune system. This is why it is important to take a comprehensive approach, combining a healthy lifestyle, veterinary care, and, if necessary, targeted supplements.

The main signs of a weakened immune system in dogs

A dog with a weakened immune system does not always show dramatic symptoms. The signs can be subtle and develop gradually. However, there are certain clues that should alert the owner.

Here are the most common signs of a weakened immune system in dogs:

• Repeated infections: ear infections, conjunctivitis, infections, etc., which recur frequently
• Skin problems: itching, redness, recurring skin infections, slow healing
• Digestive problems: diarrhea, occasional but frequent vomiting, intestinal sensitivity
• Unusual fatigue: decreased activity, intolerance to exercise, dog more apathetic than usual
• Dull coat and increased hair loss, a sign of general imbalance
• Allergies or hypersensitivities that seem to intensify over time

If you notice several of these signs in your dog, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian. They will be able to investigate any underlying causes (chronic illness, deficiency, parasites, etc.) and suggest appropriate treatment.

How can you strengthen your dog's immune system?

Eat a complete and balanced diet

Diet is one of the pillars of immunity. A dog that receives high-quality food, tailored to its age, size, and activity level, has better resources to defend its body.

Choose foods rich in high-quality protein, essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), vitamins (A, C, E, B group), and minerals (zinc, selenium, etc.). These nutrients contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system and protect cells against oxidative stress.

Depending on your dog's needs, your veterinarian may also recommend a balanced homemade diet, a mixed diet, or specific physiological kibble.

Promote a healthy lifestyle and limit stress

The environment and lifestyle also have a direct influence on the immune system. A stressed or sedentary dog will be more vulnerable than a well-stimulated and secure dog.

To support your immunity on a daily basis:

• Ensure that he gets regular walks that are suited to his abilities.
• Offer games, positive reinforcement, and scent-based activities to stimulate him mentally.
• Maintain a calm, predictable, and reassuring environment.
• Ensure effective external and internal parasite control (treatments against fleas, ticks, and worms).
• Ensure quality sleep with a comfortable and well-placed bed.

A dog that is mentally and physically healthy generally has a more resilient immune system.

Ensure regular veterinary check-ups

Regular veterinary visits allow for early detection of any imbalances or diseases that could disrupt your dog's immune system.

When indicated, vaccines help protect your pet against certain serious infectious diseases. Vaccination protocols are tailored to the dog's age, lifestyle, and overall health.

If there is any doubt about your pet's immunity, the veterinarian may suggest additional tests (blood tests, specific checkups) and adjust the treatment plan.

Natural supplements: targeted support for immunity

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, certain natural supplements can help support the dog's immune system . They generally contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or plant extracts known for their role in maintaining immune function.

The supplements in the Lore & Science range, such as Perfect Health and Dog Immune Booster, are formulated to support dogs during periods of vulnerability: convalescence, seasonal changes, stress, aging, or immune weakness.

Perfect Health: daily support for your natural defenses

Dog Immun Booster: to boost the immune system

Maintaining immunity means protecting your dog's overall health.

Strengthening your dog's immune system does not rely on a single action, but on a set of best practices: high-quality food, a balanced lifestyle, a peaceful environment, regular veterinary check-ups, and, when relevant, support from natural supplements.

By taking an interest in your pet's immunity, you are taking preventive action and helping to limit the risk of repeated illnesses, chronic fatigue, or difficult recoveries.

Every dog is unique, so don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice on how to best adapt your pet's diet, lifestyle, and supplements to their specific situation.

FAQ

A horse's joints are constantly under strain, whether the animal is being ridden, training for sport, out for a ride, or simply moving around in the pasture. Over time or withrepeated exertion, these locomotor structures can become weakened, leading to stiffness, pain, or even lameness.

Preventing joint injuries not only preserves the horse's well-being, but also maintains its performance and avoids costly complications in the long term.

Why can horses suffer from joint problems?

Joint problems arise when the supporting structures—cartilage, tendons, ligaments—are overused or weakened by external or internal factors. Understanding these causes allows us to take effective action and anticipate injuries.

Here are the main factors that can weaken a horse's joints:

• Working on hard, uneven, or slippery floors.
• Training that is too intense, irregular, or poorly progressive.
• Excess weight increases pressure on the joints.
• Conformation or morphological predispositions.
• Lack of warm-up or insufficient recovery.
• Natural aging of cartilage and supporting structures.

Signs to look out for in your horse

Horses often hide their pain, but certain behaviors or physical signs should be cause for concern. Early detection of these signs allows you to take action before the situation worsens.

Here are the main signs of joint fragility:

• Stiffness at the beginning of the session.
• Hesitant, irregular, or asymmetrical gait.
• Difficulties with transitions or refusal to perform certain exercises.
• Heat or slight inflammation around a joint.
• Loss of engagement of the hindquarters or lack of drive.
• Decreased performance or economical behavior.

How can you effectively prevent joint injuries?

Preserving a horse's joints requires a combination of work management, healthy lifestyle choices, and targeted natural support.

Here are some concrete actions to implement:

• Warm up gradually to prepare your muscles and joints.
• Vary work areas to reduce repetitive strain.
• Include rest and recovery periods in the schedule.
• Maintain an ideal body weight to limit stress on the joints.
• Secure the work environment to prevent slips and injuries.
• Adjust limb protection according to the effort required.
• Naturally strengthen your joints with a targeted supplement.

In addition, a natural solution can help support cartilage, reduce stiffness, and maintain optimal mobility.

Conclusion

Protecting a horse's joints is essential to ensuring its well-being, prolonging its sporting career, and preserving its quality of life. Through appropriate work management, a safe environment, and the natural support of Joints Support, it is possible to effectively prevent joint injuries and ensure flexible, durable, and comfortable locomotion.

FAQ

Digestive disorders, particularly diarrhea, are common in cats. They can be caused by a number of factors, and have a major impact on comfort, appetite and energy levels. An imbalance in the intestinal flora, also known as microbiota, often plays a central role in these disorders.

Why does a cat suffer from digestive problems or diarrhoea?

Digestive disorders occur when a cat's digestive system is disturbed. Several factors can weaken the microbiota, leading to unstable transit. Understanding these causes is essential to taking effective action. Here are the main factors that can cause digestive disorders:

• Rapid dietary changes.
• Stress or changes in daily life.
• Individual digestive sensitivities.
• Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections.
• Unsuitable food, table scraps or irritants.
• Natural imbalance of intestinal flora.

Signs to look out for in your cat

Digestive symptoms may vary in intensity, but there are certain signs that should attract the owner's attention. Paying attention to these symptoms allows for rapid and appropriate treatment. Here are the most frequent symptoms:

• Acute or intermittent diarrhea.
• Loose, foul-smelling or unusual stools.
• Sensitive stomach or gurgling.
• Loss of appetite or capricious appetite.
• Lethargy or low energy.
• Dull hair or slight weight loss.

What can you do to help your cat?

As soon as digestive problems appear, it's advisable to adopt a global approach to rapidly relieve the animal while preserving its microbiota. Here are a few practical tips to support your pet's digestion:

1. Reintroduce a light, appropriate diet.
2. Keep well hydrated, especially in case of diarrhea.
3. Avoid sudden dietary changes.
4. Reduce sources of stress and promote a calm environment.
5. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
6. Use natural support to rebalance intestinal flora.

In addition, a natural solution can help strengthen intestinal balance and provide lasting support for digestion.

Conclusion

Digestive disorders and diarrhea are common in cats, but with the right management combining diet, environment and natural support, you canrapidly improve your cat's comfort. By rebalancing intestinal flora with a holistic approach and supplements such as ReFlore Cat, you can help your cat achieve more stable digestion and lasting well-being.

FAQ

Why can a dog's bowel function go awry?

A dog's intestinal transit depends on a fine balance between diet, intestinal flora, hydration and activity level. A number of factors can upset this balance, causing either a slowdown (constipation) or an acceleration (diarrhea):

•  Sudden change of food or ration, rich treats or table scraps.
•  Unsuitable ration (too low in fermentable fibre or quality protein).
•  Lack of hydration or regular physical activity.
•  Stress (travel, childcare, new environment) and anxiety.
•  Digestive parasitosis, inflammatory disorders, food sensitivity.
•  Side effects of certain medications or age (puppies and seniors are more sensitive).

Signals to recognize early

When transit slows down (constipation)

Constipation refers to infrequent, dry and difficult bowel movements. Pay particular attention to:

•  Efforts or groans during defecation, frequent posture without emission.
•  Small, dry or "ball" stools, sometimes with a little mucus.
• Abdominal pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating.
•  Licking of the hindquarters or visible discomfort.

When transit speeds up (diarrhea)

Diarrhea means soft to liquid stools and more frequent emissions. Look for the following signs:

•  Frequent emergencies to go out, sometimes accidents in the house.
•  Mucus may be present, with occasional streaks of blood.
•  Borborygma, gas, discomfort or loss of enthusiasm for meals.
•  Risk of dehydration if losses are high.

What can be done to rebalance transit?

Prompt treatment reduces discomfort and complications. From the very first signs, adopt simple gestures and monitor progress over 24 to 48 hours.

Immediate action

•  Ensure free access to clean, fresh water; provide several water points.
•  Split the ration (2 to 3 small meals) with a highly digestible, balanced food.
•  Maintain regular outings and gentle activity to stimulate intestinal motricity.
•  Avoid table scraps, bones and sudden changes in diet.
•  Support flora with prebiotics and/or probiotics when necessary.
•  Maintain a routine of daily exercise and quiet time to limit digestive stress.

When should you see your vet?

Some signs require immediate veterinary advice:

•  Puppy, senior dog, fragile animal (known pathology) or current medication.
•  Repeated vomiting, marked pain, depression, fever, suspected foreign body ingestion.
•  Presence of large amounts of blood in stools, signs of dehydration.
•  No improvement beyond 24-48 hours despite basic measures.

Conclusion

A balanced intestinal transit is based on a suitable diet, good hydration, regular exercise and careful management of changes. At the first signs of imbalance, simple gestures and natural support can make all the difference.

FAQ

A horse's metabolism is put under daily strain by diet, training, stress and the environment. When the emunctories - mainly the liver, kidneys, skin and intestines - are overloaded, signs of fatigue, stiffness or reduced performance may appear. Draining the body aims to support these organs in their elimination work, restoring comfort and vitality.

Why might a horse need drainage?

Several situations can increase the toxic or metabolic load and justify a drainage cure:

• Seasonal changes (spring/autumn) with moulting and feeding variations.
• Rations rich in starch/sugar, dusty forages or those containing mycotoxins.
• Recent medication (deworming, anti-inflammatory treatments) or convalescence.
• Stress, transport, competition, change of lifestyle or boarding.
• A sedentary lifestyle, excess weight or advanced age, all of which slow down physiological processes.
• Humid, dusty environment or presence of skin irritants.

Signs to recognize: indicators of an overloaded body

In horses, the signs are sometimes subtle. The following clues should attract your attention:

• Dull coat, difficult shedding, sensitive skin or dandruff.
• Lethargy, slow recovery after exercise, reduced desire to work.
• Morning stiffness, minor locomotor discomfort, slight congestion.
• Soft droppings, alternating diarrhea/constipation, flatulence, abdominal tenderness.
• More pronounced urine odour, less drinking water consumed.
• Irregular appetite, irritability, nervousness or loss of concentration.

When should a horse's body be drained?

Generally speaking, one or two cures a year are sufficient for a healthy horse. The key periods are :

• In spring and autumn to accompany transitions (moulting, new grass, climatic variations).
• After a period of treatment (deworming, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories), on veterinary advice.
• When returning to work, changing diet or pension.
• After repeated travel, competitions or significant stress.
• In convalescence, to support elimination functions.

Precautions: avoid treatments without veterinary advice for pregnant or nursing mares, foals or horses with a declared pathology. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian for advice.

How to drain in practice: action plan

Early management significantly improves drainage efficiency and limits the duration of discomfort. Implement the following steps, in sequence or simultaneously, depending on the situation:

1. Make sure clean water is always available, and check that drinking troughs are working properly.
2. Encourage daily movement (paddling, active walking, light sessions) to stimulate circulation.
3. Clean up the environment: limit dust and mould (dry hay storage, clean bedding).
4. Adapt the ration: give priority to quality hay, reduce excess starch and increase fiber.
5. Supportdigestive balance in case of irregularities (yeast, prebiotics).
6. Use natural drainage supplements adapted to the horse, respecting dosage and duration.
7. Consult your veterinarian in the event of marked or persistent symptoms, or in case of doubt (gestation, pathologies).

Conclusion

Drainage of the horse's body is a useful management tool when carried out at the right time and with simple measures: hydration, movement, balanced ration and targeted supplementation. By taking a gentle, gradual approach, and listening to the signs, you'll promote comfort, performance and well-being over the long term.

FAQ

The liver and kidneys play a central role in theelimination of metabolic waste. In cats, a slowdown in these functions can result in fatigue, a dull coat, fussy digestion or a drop in vitality. Gentle, adapted hepato-renal drainage helps the body to recover from excesses (rich diet, drug treatments, convalescence) and regain greater comfort.

Why might a cat need hepato-renal drainage?

Hepato-renal drainage is not an "express cleansing", but a progressive support of the elimination pathways. Several factors can increase the workload on the liver and kidneys:

• Unsuitable food or treats that are too fatty/salty.
• Sedentary lifestyle, overweight or lack of hydration (cats who drink little).
• Post-medication periods (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories) or convalescence.
• Advanced age: elimination functions sometimes less efficient.
• Environmental stress (moving house, changes) that can disrupt appetite and digestive balance.

In these situations, a well-managed hepato-renal support protocol can help the body better metabolize and eliminate waste, while respecting feline sensitivity.

Signs to recognize: when to consider drainage?

Signs are often discreet in cats. Here are some signs that may prompt a consultation and the implementation of appropriate support:

• Less energy, more sleep, less interest in playing.
• Dull coat, dandruff, stronger breath than usual.
• Irregular transit (alternating soft and hard stools), fickle appetite.
• More concentrated urine or smellier litter (to be interpreted with the vet).
• Slow recovery after a period of treatment or stress.

These signs are not specific: only a veterinarian can diagnose them. Natural Drainage is a kind, supportive accompaniment to veterinary care.

How to act effectively: gentle protocol and useful gestures

Early, measured care is essential: the earlier we intervene, the faster the animal will regain comfort. Here are the main lines of action to focus on:

1) Health and nutrition

• Hydration: offer self-service fresh water, multiply water points, use a fountain if necessary.
• Ration: opt for a quality diet adapted to the cat's age and body condition; give preference to wet food if the cat drinks little.
• Shape weight: implement gradual weight loss in case of overweight, under veterinary supervision.
• Activity: stimulate calm, regular play to support metabolism.

2) Natural remedies and phytotherapy

Certain plants are traditionally used to support the liver and kidneys (e.g. milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion, orthosiphon). For cats, caution is essential: choose formulas adapted to the species, in appropriate doses, and seek the advice of your veterinarian in the event of ongoing treatment or known pathology.

3) Veterinary support

Veterinary advice is recommended prior to any protocol, especially if signs persist or worsen, or if your cat is elderly/fragile. The veterinarian will be able to suggest a check-up (clinical, blood, urine) and define the rhythm of hepato-renal support in complete safety.

Conclusion

Hepato-renal drainage in cats is part of an overall approach that includes hydration, a suitable diet, activity and natural support. Lore & Science's Kidney & Liver Health Pack complements these measures by providing progressive support for elimination functions. Implemented early and regularly, it helps maintain your pet's vitality and well-being.

FAQ

After heavy antibiotic treatment, the horse may experience general fatigue, an imbalance in intestinal flora and overload of the liver and kidneys. These emunctory organs play an essential role in eliminating waste and drug residues. Gentle, natural detoxification is therefore crucial to restoring internal balance, promoting recovery and supporting the horse's long-term health.

Do horses need to cleanse their bodies after antibiotic treatment?

Antibiotics, although indispensable for combating bacterial infections, exert considerable pressure on the horse's organism. Their action is not limited to pathogenic bacteria: they also affect the beneficial intestinal flora and can overload the liver, the main detoxification organ. This alteration of the intestinal microbiota disrupts digestion, immune defenses and general vitality.

What's more, some antibiotic molecules are metabolized slowly by the liver and kidneys. Without proper support, these organs can become exhausted, leading to a build-up of toxins and a slowdown in metabolism.

What are the warning signs after antibiotic treatment?

After intensive antibiotic treatment, several signs may indicate that the horse needs detoxifying support:

• Unusual fatigue, reduced energy or performance.
• Dull coat, loss of appetite, difficult digestion.
• Increased sensitivity, reduced resistance to infection.
• Irregular droppings or stronger smell.
• Stiffness, lack of muscle tone or apathetic behavior.

What to do after antibiotic treatment

It is essential to intervene quickly after antibiotic therapy to help the horse regain its natural balance. A global approach combinesnutrition, liver and kidney support, and restoration of intestinal flora.

Here are the key steps for optimal recovery:

1. Offer a diet rich in fiber and low in fast sugars to boost digestion.
2. Stay well hydrated to help eliminate metabolic waste.
3. Incorporate natural drainage to stimulate the liver, kidneys and intestinal tract.
4. Support intestinal flora with horse-specific probiotics.

Conclusion

After heavy antibiotic treatment, helping your horse to eliminate drug residues and restore its internal balance is an essential step in preserving its health and performance. By combining a balanced diet, veterinary care and Lore & Science's Protocole Post Médic Cheval, you can offer your horse the best conditions for a complete and lasting recovery.

FAQ