The Liver
A variety of absorbed compounds from the intestinal tract pass through the liver first before entering the horse's bloodstream. The liver acts as a filter and major detox organ responsible for metabolizing toxins and drugs. It also produces vital compounds including fatty acids, proteins, glucose. For example, the liver is responsible for glucose production for energy in a fasted state and many important hormones. It also produces bile, which is essential for fat digestion. The liver is a storage center for certain vitamins and minerals, like the storage of glucose as glycogen.
The body functions at its best when metabolic processes are maintained within normal levels. The most well-known example is body temperature. When we have elevated temperature, our body responds with sweating and other physiological changes to get the temperature down again. Similarly, when we are cold, our bodies shiver to increase heat production. These are defense mechanisms to maintain constant temperature. All systems in the body are protected by such processes to maintain proper function. The liver plays an important role in this. For example, the liver is responsible for eliminating end-products of protein breakdown (which would otherwise be toxic) and for the clearance of insulin from the blood (which would otherwise cause diseases like insulin resistance).
The Kidneys
The kidneys are responsible for the secretion of waste products and toxins from the body. They get rid of the waste products that are created when food is converted into energy. They also maintain the correct balance of water and electrolytes (salts) within the body’s cells and work in conjunction with the liver to maintain health and prevent the build up of toxins or harmful waste products and chemicals. They are also a major filter organ, filtering out and recycling the nutrients that can be used. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells and produce Vitamin D.
So that said, it is important to recognize the importance of these little talked about organs for the health of your horse. Proper and healthy function is essential for proper digestion. For example, the liver secretes bile which is essential for digestion of fat and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It is also essential for proper metabolism and uptake of nutrients into tissues and for using those nutrients for growth and performance.
Cavalor HepatoLiq
Cavalor's liver and kidney detox supplement, Hepato Liq, is an herbal product designed to restore liver and kidney condition after a heavy competition season, treatment with medications, or during coat changes. It contains a variety of well-researched herbs that work synergistically to improve the absorption of vitamins and minerals, support the horse’s metabolism, and contribute to the overall health of the horse’s internal systems. Generally speaking, kidney and liver malfunctions may result in various issues which are difficult to diagnose, even for specialists, without using various diagnostic tools.
Hepato Liq is often used by owners with active sport horses with heavy competition schedules during rest periods between or following a succession of events involving intense exercise. It is also used to aid healthy in weight gain and improve overall health and performance as it improves nutrient absorption. It contains a proprietary blend of herbs, antioxidants and amino acid compounds. As with all Cavalor products, it's not simply about the quantity of each ingredient in the product, but rather the ideal ratio of ingredients that work together to provide the best result. Ingredients include:
- Artichoke: The antioxidant properties of this plant result in an overall stimulation or support of the liver function and has a detoxifying effect.
- Milk Thistle: Prevents certain toxins from passing through the liver cell membrane. Also associated with the regeneration of liver cells, decreased inflammatory reactions and antioxidant properties.
- Dandelion: This herb has been applied widely for various conditions. It is suggested to drain the liver and improve liver function.
Cavalor Hepato Liq has been on the market for over 15 years, and in that time has been widely used around the world with tremendous effects. We often recommend it when someone is looking to transition their horse's feed from another commercial feed. HepatoLiq is a 25 day supplement that can be used twice per year during the downtime between show seasons. We recommend that when your horse's coat changes, it is time for his seasonal preventative treatment of HepatoLiq. Many customers also regularly use it in combination with Vitaflor365 after a round of antibiotics.
Tips & Tricks
My horse won’t eat his feed now that I’ve added HepatoLiq!
- If your horse is sensitive to the taste of HepatoLiq, sometimes it is easiest in the beginning to use a 12cc or 60cc syringe to give the 10cc per day directly in the horse's mouth. Usually after a week or so, you can add to the feed without the same “picky-ness”.
If I’m feeding Cavalor feeds, why do I need to add a supplement?
- Horses can still have livers that need support even when on Cavalor. For example, vaccines, antibiotics, pesticides, metals from water, etc. all have to be filtered through the liver and this has nothing to do with the horse’s feed intake.
I need to check with my vet to see if this is okay to give. What is in the product?
- HepatoLiq contains a variety of herbs including artichoke, milk thistle and dandelion. These herbs are known for their positive effect on the liver and kidneys, and the formula is 80% moisture, which is the carrier for the ingredients. We use a liquid concentrated version and not the leafy part of the herb. Leaves don’t have as consistent level of potency.
