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Silicon as Internal Support for Thrush and Laminitis

Hoof problems are common in horses. For example, thrush can be a persistent issue in wet weather or when horses spend many hours in the stable. Many people treat hoof problems from the outside with sprays, pastes, or oils. However, it is often also wise to support your horse from the inside. This is especially true for thrush and brittle hooves, as well as for laminitis.

Hooves

Silicon

26 July '24 • 3 min reading time

Laminitis is a metabolic disease that can have a severe impact on the quality of the hooves. The laminae in the hoof wall can detach, which is very painful for the horse. In the early stages of laminitis, the horse may be slightly sensitive or stumble, and if it progresses, you often see the typical stance with extended front legs to relieve the hooves.

Hoof Health from Within

For healthy hooves, building materials are necessary. Your horse obtains the building materials for all hoof tissue from its diet. What not everyone knows is that the mineral silicon is very important for hoof development. Silicon is a basic mineral: it is involved in the formation of various tissues, cartilage, bone, and collagen. Additionally, silicon ensures that other minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, can perform their functions more effectively.

Importance and Absorption of Silicon

For all mammals (including humans and horses), the mineral silicon is essential. Connective tissue, collagen, and joint fluid rely on silicon as a building block. This mineral is therefore crucial for a healthy musculoskeletal system. All organs, except the lungs, should consistently contain a certain amount of silicon, but this is not always the case. For example, the absorption of silicon in the intestines decreases over a lifetime. The use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can further reduce absorption. Additionally, hay often contains few minerals, which can mean that a horse does not receive enough silicon from its diet for essential development processes, especially if it is on poor quality hay and has little or no access to grass. Silicon in solid form is also poorly absorbed by the intestines, which hinders the supply of silicon in the horse's blood.

Healthy Hooves (and More…) with Silicon

The mineral silicon increases the production of collagen and supports elastic and healthy skin, coat, and hooves. It stimulates the body's own production of glucosamine, laying the foundation for the formation of joint fluid, cartilage, and even bone. Connective tissue, important for tendons and ligaments, is also produced with the help of silicon. Therefore, a horse needs sufficient silicon to maintain smooth movement and cope well with exercise and training. Furthermore, scientific research has shown that supplementing with silicon in addition to regular feed significantly improves mineral status. Animals consistently supplemented with silicon are much less likely to suffer from mineral deficiencies.

Silicon for Hooves

Silicon is important for healthy hooves. When you provide silicon, hoof growth will be stimulated. It takes a few months to see the effects because silicon works gradually. Therefore, give a supplement – preferably well-absorbed hydrolyzed silicon – some time to show results. Silicon is recommended for brittle hooves, poor hoof growth, thin soles, and thrush.

Silicon for Laminitis

Supplementing with silicon is also recommended for laminitis. Laminitis is a hormonal issue related to insulin resistance and poor sugar processing in the body. For horses with laminitis and insulin resistance, it is very important to maintain good mineral levels. Since silicon is a basic mineral and also enhances the absorption and effectiveness of other minerals, it is crucial that laminitic horses receive sufficient silicon.

Conclusion: Silicon Supports Hoof Health

Well-absorbed silicon, in liquid form (hydrolyzed silicon), contributes to a good mineral balance in the horse’s body. Silicon is:

  • Essential for healthy joints, muscles, connective tissue, and collagen,
  • Essential for the healthy functioning of organs,
  • Important for the functioning of other minerals and vitamin C.

Sources:

Carlisle EM. Silicon: a possible factor in bone calcification. Science 1970, 167:179-280.

Seaborn C, et al. Effects of germanium and silicon on bone mineralization. Biological Trace Element Res 1994, 42:151-164.

Seaborn C, et al. Silicon deprivation decreases collagen formation in wounds and bone, and ornithine transminase enzyme activity in liver. Biol Trace Elem Res 2002, 89(3):251-61.

Barel, A., Calomme, M., Timchenko, A. et al. Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin. Arch Dermatol Res 297, 147–153 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-005-0584-6

Forrest H. Nielsen. Update on the possible nutritional importance of silicon. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 28, Issue 4, 2014, Pages 379-382, ISSN 0946-672X. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2014.06.024.

Michalak, M.; Pierzak, M.; Kręcisz, B.; Suliga, E. Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review. Nutrients 2021, 13, 203. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010203

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