ARBALOU CARCIMEL

Melanomas and carcinomas are increasingly common in horses. Certain aggravating factors have been highlighted:

• Coat
• Age
• Scars C
• ontact with carcinogens, etc.

Current treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, show high recurrence rates. show high recurrence rates. Supplementation with plants selected for their recognised properties, as well as highly-dosed antioxidants, is an asset for your horse faced with this situation. Melanoma is a tumour that affects the melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells found in the horse's skin and mucous membranes.

What factors aggravate the development of melanoma in horses?

The age, sex and breed of the horse do not appear to play a role in the risk of developing melanoma. However, the horse's coat is an important factor. Over 80% of grey horses over 15 years old have at least one melanoma! Other horse coats are also likely to develop melanomas.

What causes melanoma in horses?

Contrary to popular belief, UV rays, and therefore the sun, are not necessarily factors in the development of melanomas, as the most common locations in horses are around the anus and under the tail. Recent studies suggest that regular contact with locally carcinogenic substances may lead to a disruption in the cell renewal process, resulting in uncontrolled cell multiplication and the formation of melanoma. Genetic components linked to the grey coat are also thought to be involved. How do you recognise a melanoma in a horse? Melanoma in horses can be isolated or multiple, appearing as a dark nodule and measuring from a few millimetres to several dozen centimetres. It is typically found around the anus, perineum and genitals. To a lesser extent, the head and limbs.

What are the symptoms associated with melanoma?

Depending on the location and the presence of metastases, melanoma can lead to the appearance of :

• Difficulty defecating Urinary or genital problems
• Nervous signs in the case of bone marrow compression.
• Metastases may occur in the digestive tract, lungs, etc., with clinical signs associated with these sites.

What are the different types of melanoma in horses?

• Dermal melanoma, most common in grey and older horses, this is an isolated melanoma which is usually benign but may nevertheless develop into malignancy.
• Melanomatosis, a grouping of the above in the form of plaques in the perineal areas. Metastases are very common.
• Melanocytic nevus, superficial tumour of the dermis affecting young horses, most of which are benign.
• Anaplastic malignant melanoma, a rare aggressive form with systematic metastatic evolution. Prevalent in older horses.

What are the treatments for melanoma in horses?

At present, there has been little real progress in the treatment of melanoma in horses. Isolated melanomas, whose location has no impact on the horse's comfort, simply need to be monitored.

Surgery has a high recurrence rate, which seems to be decreasing with the use of a carbon dioxide laser. The use of cisplatin injections has not been shown to be of any real benefit. To date, the administration of cimetidine, an antacid, has not been shown to be of any real benefit in the management of melanoma. The most concrete current project is the use of immunotherapy, and studies are underway. Phytotherapy can limit the development of melanoma. Many drugs used in chemotherapy are derived from new discoveries in the field of plants.

Based on these findings, Arbalou Soins has developed a unique formula,rich in plants with adaptogenic, anti-tumour, neo-angiogenesis inhibiting and immune defence boosting properties, combined with antioxidants and manganese. New formula :

• Vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant, to protect your horse's cells from the aggression of free radicals by combating oxidative stress. It is only supplied to the body through the diet. Vitamin E protects the horse's cell membranes against oxidation caused by free radicals and preserves the integrity of the horse's cells. Magnesium is an essential mineral, particularly for energy production.
• Magnesium is involved in the proper functioning of the muscular and nervous systems.
• Ginger contributes to your horse's mental well-being and helps to maintain its vitality when it is tired. Ginger contains a multitude of vitamins for your horse, as it contains vitamins B1, B2 and especially vitamin B3. Ginger is very rich in carbohydrates and fibre. It is also a major source of vitamin B9, as well as vitamins C, E and A. The plant's rhizome is notable for its mineral and trace element content, including manganese, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as calcium, sodium, iodine, zinc and iron. Ginger is known to be particularly rich in potassium and manganese. Finally, the rhizome also contains powerful antioxidant compounds for your horse's well-being. It is a so-called adaptogen plant, meaning that it adapts to the body's needs and provides a better response to stress, stressful situations and chronic fatigue.
• Ginkgo Biloba promotes good circulation in your horse.
• Turmeric for its antioxidant properties. Dozens of laboratory studies have also shown that curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, does indeed have anti-cancer properties, although we don't yet know all the mechanisms involved. One thing is certain: turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties.
• Spirulina is a blue-green algae cultivated for its exceptional nutritional properties. Spirulina contains high-quality vegetable proteins, numerous vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, group B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9 and B12), vitamin D, vitamin K, omega 6, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, etc. The properties of Spirulina are based on this extremely complete and balanced composition.
• Dandelion improves liver and urinary functions in horses. Since 2010, biochemist Siyaram Pandey and his team at the University of Windsor have been studying the potential of dandelion, with results that are as surprising as they are encouraging. The first phase of research has already shown that dandelion root extract can help to fight the cells of certain diseases such as chronic monocytic myeloid leukaemia. The researchers then discovered that repeated treatment with dandelion root extract administered in low doses was effective in combating other cancers. Within 48 hours of ingesting the infusion, the dandelion root liquid killed cancer cells. And, even more surprisingly, healthy cells are not killed. Dandelion root extracts are thought to have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells For the researchers, dandelion therefore has "great potential as an effective alternative to chemotherapy". Their in vitro studies have demonstrated the plant's effectiveness in combating pancreatic and colon cancer cells. Dandelion and its health benefits Rich in vitamin A, vitamins B6 and B9, and vitamin C, dandelion boosts the immune system and helps the body fight bacteria and toxins. A source of iron and potassium, dandelion helps balance the nervous system and muscle function. It helps combat fatigue.
 Very rich in polyphenols, dandelion is an excellent antioxidant, helping to prevent the body from ageing.
 Anti-inflammatory and diuretic, dandelion facilitates the elimination of toxins from infectious, dietary and environmental sources. 
An excellent natural depurative, this plant regulates intestinal functions.
• Centellas asiatica, thanks to its healing, repairing and protective properties, is a plant for relieving dermatological conditions, skin and mucous membrane problems, helping to heal wounds and soothe burns.

Combined with Arbalou Omega (fish, cod liver and linseed oils) or with Arbalou Linseed Oil, these two oils for horses are also a valuable aid for horses with difficulty defecating by softening and lubricating your horse's droppings.

Arbalou Soins, expert in food supplements, plants and hygiene for horses, dogs and cats, innovates every day for the well-being of your animals and advocates French manufacturing.