Proof I'm not INSANE

[whitney]

I found this article at The Horse.com. I have been trying to tell my 2 vets and a MSU vet that I have kept my horses alive using KAOLIN (is aluminum silicate, otherwise known as "white clay"). Bio Sponge is (clay with a big fancy name I called rep to find out what was in it she stated "its a clay like product".) They did not believe me. The last conversation I had with my local vet he pretty much stated it was all in my head, and I was GIVING my horses ulcers.

When one door closes the LORD opens a LOADING DOCK. I went on a vet hunt and found a qualified vet within 20 minutes of my house.

I'm not sure if legally I should have pasted this here but it is a free service now and if their is anyone out their fighting this crap its good to know.

AAEP 2002: Effectiveness of Bio-Sponge

by: Sarah L. Evers

January 13 2003 Article # 4062

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Enterocolitis (inflammation of the small intestine and colon) caused by the bacteriums Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens is a common problem for both adult horses and foals, according to Nathalie Cote, DMV, DVSc, of the University of Guelph. However, even with aggressive treatment, many do not survive the disease and treatment can be expensive. But the use of di-tri-octahedral (DTO) smectite might help according to a study which tested the brand Bio-Sponge done by Cote; Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, Dipl. ACVIM, a microbiology specialist at the University of Guelph; and Rolph De Gannes, GV, DVM, in Equine Veterinary Sciences at the University of Guelph.

DTO smectite is a natural hydrated aluminomagnesium silicate that binds to digestive mucus and increases resistance to bacterial damage by absorbing substances in the digestive tract. This includes substances such as endotoxins, exotoxins, and organic vapors. C. difficile and C. perfringens produce such toxins. This binding action results in a shortened duration of diarrhea and fewer stools in humans. Researchers studied a commercial form of DTO smectite called Bio-Sponge and determined that it binds to C. difficile toxins A and B and C. perfringens enterotoxin in vitro (in a laboratory environment). “This suggests that DTO smectite may be useful for the treatment or prevention of clostridial colitis in horses,†Cote said.

The study also showed that Bio-Sponge did not inhibit the growth of C. difficile and C. perfringens. Therefore, the use of antimicrobials such as metronidazole might still be necessary in the treatment of clostridial colitis. However, the researchers also determined that DTO smectite does not bind to metronidazole. “This study suggests that there is no contraindication to the combined use of DTO smectite and metronidazole,†she continued.

Cote said that further testing needs to be performed in vivo (in the living body) to determine if the results of their study will be the same in the living horse.

OH and by the way all horses tested neg for Clostridium, just goes to show that the testing is not always right.

TAM your vet pegged it with the MET.

Lastly thank you GOD for walking with me.

 

[Lauralee]

Before I accepted the effectiveness of biosponge, I would much rather see the in vivo results. There is a big difference in the human digestive tract and horses. REally no comparison.

And to have positive results in the lab is a great start.....but lets see it actually studied on horses. That would be the final proof.

 

[whitney]

I am NOT endorsing BIO SPONGE. I am STATING that KAOLIN WORKS and has for over a month and 1/2 for 3 large Q.H. and 3 minis.

With this crap you have less than 24 hours to DO SOMETHING, and it better be the RIGHT something. You give them Banamine, sulfa drugs, or oil and it does more harm than good.

I am now slowly taking them off the kaolin with Met on hand. If I have any backsliders its back on the kaolin with the addition of the Met. I have the tools to beat this thing now.

ONLY 1 of the 6 horses had loose stools. Mine all got bloated and acted colicky.

 

[Ginia]

I know first hand that Whitney has had "INTESTINAL HECK ON EARTH" going on in her barn for quite a scary long time now, with little or no help at all from her vets, both local and University. If she hadn't happened on the Kaolin and started using it "on her own" without testing, there's not a doubt in my mind that she would have had at least 2, and probably more dead horses now, (and one of them would have been her/formerly my "Tweet" that we are BOTH emotionally invested in.) Thank you Kim for the hours you have spent on the 'net and for all your concern for everyone else that has been having unexplainable and out of the "normal range" colics. This just doesn't follow the same path as the impaction, gas and sand colics that we have formerly seen. I'll NEVER be without a gallon of Kaolin in my supply cabinet!!!!!!!!!

 

[kaykay]

Kim

I know how stressed you have been and despertly trying to find answers! Im so glad you have found one. This just shows that you have to keep on these quests on your own as the pros just dont always have the answers. Sending prayers that the nightmare is over and you can relax and enjoy your horses

:

 

[Shari]

One of the Vets up north recommended it to me and I have it here just in case. He used it quite a few times with good results.

Dyfra had the flop bottom for reason unknown. Used it and it cleared right up.

Am very glad you found something that would help your horses. That is the most important thing.