• Integrative Veterinary Products Equine Cushing's Stage 1 Cooling Yin Blend veterinarian-compounded Chinese herbal formula

By Integrative Veterinary Products

Equine Cushing’s Stage 1 — Cooling Yin Blend

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Integrative Veterinary Products Equine Cushing's Stage 1 — Cooling Yin Blend is a veterinarian-compounded traditional Chinese herbal formula developed to support horses and ponies with Equine Cushing's Disease (PPID). It is designed for animals showing signs of Yin deficiency, particularly those that appear excessively hot, sweaty or heat intolerant.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, many horses with PPID are believed to progress through recognisable stages over time. Earlier patterns often resemble Equine Metabolic Syndrome with Dampness and metabolic dysfunction. As the condition progresses, horses may develop Yin deficiency, commonly presenting as increased sweating, heat intolerance, restlessness or difficulty regulating body temperature.

This formula is based on the classical Ophiopogonis formula and is designed for horses in this hotter, more depleted stage.

With further progression, some horses may move into combined Yin and Qi deficiency, where heat signs remain but energy and resilience decline. In advanced cases, Yang deficiency may eventually predominate, leading to frailty, weakness and cold intolerance.

By matching herbal formulas to the horse’s current pattern and combining them with appropriate dietary management, some clinical signs may improve and overall resilience may be supported alongside conventional veterinary care.

Currently in Australia, certain traditional Chinese herbal blends are only allowed to be dispensed by a registered veterinarian.

As with all Traditional Chinese Herbal blends, the best results are likely to occur when prescribed by an integrative veterinarian who can examine your animal in person. Telehealth consultations however, can be used when access to an appropriate veterinarian is difficult or not possible.

If you would like to access the Integrative Veterinary Products Herbal blends, please book an appointment to access a telehealth (phone or video) appointment with Dr Tanya Meares BVSc.

Before the appointment, you will be asked to submit a form with background information about your animal and their health issues.

The cost of the 15-30 minute telehealth appointment is $80 but you will receive a discount of $40 on your first order of any an herbal blend in the shop (if any are suggested).

These formulas require practitioner dispensing under current regulatory guidelines.

How it Works

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, many horses with Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID) gradually develop Yin deficiency — a pattern associated with depletion of cooling fluids and reduced ability to regulate Heat within the body.

As Yin becomes depleted, horses may become excessively hot, sweaty, thirsty or heat intolerant despite often maintaining appetite and body condition early in the disease process. Mild increases in drinking and urination may also develop as fluid regulation becomes less stable over time.

This formula is designed to restore fluids, reduce internal Heat and improve the body’s ability to regulate temperature and hydration without heavily tonifying or trapping Dampness.

Unlike richer tonic formulas, this blend remains relatively light and cooling in nature, making it particularly useful in horses that are still metabolically active but beginning to show signs of dryness, Heat and fluid depletion.

Clinically, this formula is commonly used in horses showing some or all the following signs..

  • excessive sweating
  • heat intolerance
  • increased thirst
  • mild PU/PD
  • restlessness or irritability
  • dry coat or reduced coat quality
  • weight loss despite appetite
  • muscle tension or tightness
  • early PPID patterns associated with Heat and Yin deficiency

As the disease progresses further, some horses may eventually require formulas designed for more advanced Qi or Yang deficiency stages rather than primarily Yin depletion.

This formula is generally less appropriate where:

  • marked coldness or frailty predominate
  • severe lethargy or collapse are present
  • heavy Dampness or boggy fluid accumulation dominate the presentation.
Ingredients

Ophiopogonis

Phragmites

Anemarrhenaw

Trichosanthes

Glehnia

Pueraria

Mume

Scuttellaria

Pruni

Cragtaegus

Massa
Dosing

Minis 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon once or twice daily

Horses 250-500kg 1/2 - 1 teaspoon once or twice daily

Horses 550-700kg 1-2 teaspoons once or twice daily

Dose may be halved as maintenance dose.

Shipping

We currently ship only to Australia. Contact us if you are in NZ and interested in getting our products.  (Not Canada or USA)

For more information, click here >

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of horses tend to suit this formula best?

This formula is designed for horses and ponies with PPID (Equine Cushing's Disease) that appear excessively hot, sweaty or heat intolerant.

These horses are often still maintaining reasonable body condition and energy levels but show early signs of fluid depletion and difficulty regulating body temperature.
Why do some horses with PPID become hot and sweaty?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, many horses with PPID gradually develop Yin deficiency. Yin helps cool, moisten and regulate the body.

As Yin becomes depleted, horses may struggle to dissipate Heat effectively, leading to excessive sweating, heat intolerance, increased thirst and restlessness.
Can this formula be used alongside Prascend?

Yes. This formula is commonly used alongside conventional veterinary management of PPID, including Prascend and appropriate dietary changes.

The aim is to support the horse's overall comfort, hydration and Heat regulation rather than replace conventional treatment.
My horse drinks and urinates more than normal. Is that relevant?

Stage 1 horses are typically hot, sweaty and heat intolerant but still maintain reasonable energy and resilience.

As PPID progresses, some horses develop increasing fatigue, muscle loss and reduced stamina despite remaining hot. These horses may require formulas designed for combined Yin and Qi deficiency.

In more advanced cases, horses may become frail, weak and cold, reflecting a shift towards Yang deficiency.
How is Stage 1 different from later PPID stages?

Stage 1 horses are typically hot, sweaty and heat intolerant but still maintain reasonable energy and resilience.

As PPID progresses, some horses develop increasing fatigue, muscle loss and reduced stamina despite remaining hot. These horses may require formulas designed for combined Yin and Qi deficiency.

In more advanced cases, horses may become frail, weak and cold, reflecting a shift towards Yang deficiency.
Will every horse with PPID need to progress to later stages?

Not necessarily.

The progression described in Traditional Chinese Medicine is a pattern model rather than a fixed rule. Some horses remain predominantly Yin deficient for many years, while others progress more rapidly.

Regular reassessment helps ensure the formula continues to match the horse's current presentation.