Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments
23 February 2003
HERBAL TREATMENT FOR EQUINE COUGH DUE TO SMOKE INHALATION
This is an email to Robert McDowell from Denise Kramarczuk following the treatment of her 12 yr.old Thoroughbred/Appaloosa gelding for cough due to smoke inhalation.
Many readers will recall the devastating bushfires which destroyed over 500 homes in Canberra on the 18th of January this year. What is not generally appreciated is that this was the second series of bushfires to hit the nation's capital in just over 12 months, with previous fires causing significant damage to the environment over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2001. One of the properties encircled by the fires on those two days was Forest Park Riding School, on the south-western suburbs of the city. While no property was lost, the smoke and ash combined to cause problems well after the flames and heat had receded.
One of the riding school's horses, Cody (a 12 year old Thoroughbred/Appaloosa gelding) developed a nasty cough after inhaling the smoke over an extended period. Other horses at the school were also affected, however Cody's cough persisted long after the other horses were over theirs. During the initial stages of riding lessons, Cody would frequently cough, often accompanied by nasal discharge and, occasionally, discharge from the mouth. 'Scoping' of his airways and lungs showed no damage, however the prescribed antibiotics did little to alter his condition. The only drug that seemed to make any difference was 'bute', but there were limits as to how long he could remain on that medication. It was finally decided that he should be rested, and was 'put out to pasture' for some five months in the hope that the break from the dustier conditions, combined with prolonged rest, would be the solution to the problem. (You guessed it, he came back to the riding school a few weeks before the fires came through for the second time!!)
Upon his return to the riding school, all seemed better for the first few days. Unfortunately, when light work was reintroduced, the cough returned; not as bad as before, but the five month rest appeared to have had little discernible effect. At this stage, a search of the internet for alternative solutions brought up your website and renewed hope for something to finally get Cody back to his best. We purchased your horse Chest & Immunity Tonic and started treating Cody as directed, in combination with 500ml of a solution made of Rosehip Granules in his morning and evening feeds.
The results have been impressive to say the least. After treating him for a period of three weeks, while Cody still has the occasional cough, it is about half the intensity of before and it is always a dry cough. There has been no nasal discharge or discharge from the mouth associated with his coughs, and he seems brighter in himself. As an aside, the combination of herbs is having a significant effect on his coat as well, with a nice sheen replacing the usual dull coat he has always seem to have had. We both agree that given the degree of smoke which enveloped the riding school this January, his cough reduction is all the more remarkable. We intend continuing his treatment for an additional 6-7 weeks after the first bottle of C&I Tonic is finished and will also continue his daily regimen of Rosehip Granules.
In short, thank you for providing an alternative to the wonder drugs that, at times, are not so wonderful. It is most pleasing (not to mention relieving!) to witness such results, while at the same time knowing that the products being used are completely natural."
Attached are photos of Cody in a now desolate part of Canberra, which just 14 short months ago was a thriving pine plantation. At least one of the subjects in the picture is now a whole lot better than they used to be!!
Kindest regards,
Denise Kramarczuk
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