BAD BACTERIA, GOOD USE

Botulin, the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, is one of the deadliest known neurotoxins. But it does have some worthwhile medical applications.

Perhaps the best-known use of botulinum toxin is in Botox injections that prevent wrinkles in people by relaxing the facial muscles. But Botox is also used therapeutically to prevent migraines in people and it shows promise for treatment of some conditions in horses.

In a study from The Netherlands, Botox injections reduced the severity of stringhalt, a neuromuscular disorder that causes gait abnormalities.

In addition, Botox may be injected into the deep digital flexor muscle of horses with laminitis to lessen the pull on the coffin bone. The goal is to prevent the separation of the weakened connective tissues between the bone and the hoof wall.

In all cases, the effects of Botox injection are temporary and wear off within about three months.