100 Years of Animal Care Provides Simple Solutions to Complicated Problems
Fiske's Animal Care Products are worth their weight in gold in a barn - whether you have horses, cattle, sheep, or dogs, to mention a few - Fiske's will help with many ailments and problems throughout the barn. Although meant for horses, the product works in so many other areas.
Fiske's Hoof & Hide Balm was originally developed by Dr. Clarence Simms who left the recipe in the care of Leon Fiske in the 50's, who in turn passed it on to his Melanie Fiske in 2003. Melanie has made it her priority to bring the product to the Canadian marketplace as the benefits of the product have been tried and tested for 100 years.
The hoof and hide balm is a 100 year old veterinarian formulated recipe that has not changed over the years with the exception of using protein based oils extracted from vegetables rather than animals. The products ingredients are 100% natural and contain Eucalyptus, Camphor, Wintergreen, Pine Tar, Bees Wax, Menthol Crystals and Thymol Crystals. The Hoof and Hide Salve also has one of nature's best moisturizers - Shea Butter added to give it a thicker, creamier consistency than the liquid hoof balm along with the healing properties of vitamin E cream, cocoanut oil and hydrogenated castor oil.
So much more than a hoof balm, Fiske's Animal Care products are a blend of ALL NATURAL ingredients that contributes to the overall effectiveness as it treats mud fever, scald, scratches, ring worm, mange, rain rot, itchy tail, sweet itch, and dandruff quickly and easily. It is not just one active ingredient but the combination of anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti inflammatory and anti septic ability fighting agents. It was designed 100 years ago when one medicine was used to treat a variety of problems rather than having a specific treatment for each condition as is more common today.
Initially introduced to this product by local Robert Darling, Equine Niagara News contacted Melanie late last year to find out more about the product. In doing so, and after many conflicts of schedule Melanie and I finally caught up with each other at Can-Am this spring. Melanie gave us her balm, salve and lip balm to test - saying "you will clearly see the difference the products can make".
Obviously, I was doubtful, but agreed to try the products to see just what difference this product could make. Not wanting to test it strictly on the hoofs, as the product clearly does so much more, I had to wait for an opportunity to present itself to completely test the product. Well a few weeks ago, that opportunity arose - not once but twice. Here's the story:
Almost four weeks ago, one of my ponies was injured quite severely. Apparently 4 ponies tried to go through a 8-foot gate at the same time, pressing our home-bred, 4-year-old against the gate latch and tearing her shoulder. And when I say "tearing her shoulder", I mean "tearing". The wound was 4 inches wide, at least and 8 inches long. Skin torn, outside muscle torn, inside muscles torn and protruding from the shoulder. Fortunately, this little filly is a brave sole and stood quietly and waited for us to take care of her. The vet was called out and proclaimed - "this is nasty". Unfortunately, my thinking cap wasn't on that day - I didn't take any pictures. After 1 1/2 hours of stitching the pony up, the vet prescribed antibiotics, daily soaking in epson salts and derma-gel spray.
Once stitched the wound looked much better, but infection set in and more care was required. After a week and half of treatment, the wound was still infected and oozing, the anti-biotics were helping, but not clearing up the infection totally. It didn't help that the pony could reach the wound and from licking at it, had re-opened the bottom edge of the wound. I was at a loss. Remembering the Fiske's products, I thought - what the heck - it can't hurt, can it?
Wound after 1 week with FISKE's
Wound after 1 1/2 weeks of vet
prescribed treatment
So off I went to get the liquid hoof and hide balm (as this was easier to apply than the salve on such a tender, open wound), and promptly applied the liquid to the wound. Not knowing what to expect, I hoped that Melanie's claims were true to her word. In the meantime, I had been talking to Fiske's new Ontario Sales Consultant, Ken Holmes. One thing I did notice - the flies that were hovering around the wound, suddenly disappeared.
Ken commented, "I was a user first. I loved and believed in the product so much, that I decided I wanted to help promote the use of it for the benefit of the critters - it's all about the well-being of the critters".
The next day I went to the barn to feed in the morning, checking the pony as I did so. I couldn't believe my eyes. The wound had changed dramatically in appearance. It now looked like it was healing, not festering with puss and ooze any longer. It looked healthier, the swelling was down and the infection was not as bad. So I reapplied Fiske's Hoof and Hide Balm. Then, I noticed, that a boarder's horse had somehow managed to injure herself through the night in her stall. I have yet to figure out how. Again, this was a nasty wound that should have had stitches. It must have happened after the night check the night before and at this point, putting stitches in was not an option. So, cleaning the wound, the owner and I applied Fiske's as well.
Wound after 1 week of FISKE's - the horse knocked the scab off.
Wound after 1st application of Fiske's Hoof & Hide Balm
In both cases the wounds are drying up, healing quite nicely, and the hair is growing back. I have never seen any product work as fast and as simply as the Fiske's products. Within the next day or two, the pony will be ready to join her herd back outside again.
"I am glad I had Fiske's on-hand to try - it made quite a difference!"
So back to the products - Fiske's Animal Products produces three products in various sizes: The Hoof and Hide Balm (liquid), the Hoof and Hide Salve (cream with Shea Butter) and the lip balm for us humans - and wow, you can feel the product moisturizing with each soothing application.
For hoof care, the Hoof & Hide Balm balances moisture in the hoof capsule, builds and maintains a healthy hoof wall, prefents hardened frogs, hoof dryness and contracted heels, restores cracked hooves and hoof rot as well as promotes healthy hoof growth. It can be used as a hoof packing, will treat thrush and abscesses.
The hide solution is an excellent treatment for hot spots, cuts and open wounds, proud flesh, dandruff, burns, itchy tail burns, girth boils, scald, scratches, sweet itch, mange, rain rot, itchy ears, cribbing, ring worm, mud fever and general wounds. The product also reduces inflammation and cools the hoof, relieves and soothes sore, swollen and tired muscles in the hoof and leg.
Oh and did I mention it acts as a insect repellent for lice and ticks, bots, flies, mosquitoes, reduces swelling from bites and stings and is safe around the face and muzzle. And, if you have a cold - well just apply a little to your nostrils - your sinuses will clear instantly.
I guess there is a reason why co-owner Brent MacGrath, and Somebeachsomewhere - the 2008 Horse of the Year, endorse the products. But don't take my word for it, visit www.fiskes.ca for even more testimonials and photos of how Fiske's has helped so many.
The 7.5 oz salve and the 15 fl. Oz liquid sell for $24.95. Locally the products are available at Minor Bros, Wainfleet location and will be available at HorseWorld Emporium very shortly. For other retail locations in Ontario and Canada visit www.fiskes.ca. Sales Consultants: Ken Holmes, Ontario; Gillis Comea - Ontario & Quebec
Hoof prior to use of Fiske's Hoof & Hide Balm
hoof before FISKEs
Hoof after 1 week of using Fiske's. The frog and heal is much softer and cracks are filling in.
