L'analyse des cheveux ou la fourrure

L’analyse des cheveux nous donne un compte-rendu des oligo-elements présents et passés.

Différent du sang, les cheveux sont une substance inerte de protéine fibreuse et d’oligo-elements.

Comme les cheveux poussent, venant du sang les éléments nutritifs et toxiques sont déposés dans les follicules pileux et dans les poils. Une fois incorporé, un élément reste fixer dans les cheveux.

C’est très simple de prendre un échantillon de cheveux et l’envoi n’est pas pressé.

L’analyse des cheveux demande une préparation très méticuleuse durant laquelle les contaminations sont éliminées. L’analyse est faite avec les mêmes instruments que le sang et l’urine et demande les mêmes précautions.

Hair analysis, when properly performed, is a reliable measure of tissue levels. Source: Jenkins DW. Toxic Metals in Mammalian Hair and Nails. EPA Report 600, 1979.

Fur Metal Analysis- Mirror of Animal Health

For any animal, a silky coat is not just a sign of beauty. The conditon of the animal’s fur is also a
reflecton of its health, just as hair is in humans. Hair or Fur reflects certain health problems.

  • A dull or shaggy fur can indicate a chronic disease, for example of the liver or kidneys.
  • Round, bald spots in the fur on an animal’s body or just in individual areas are typical of fungal infestation or an excessive metal exposure
  • Unusually long, curly fur or poor shedding can be signs of a hormonal disorder such as Equine Cushing Syndrome (ECS), which primarily occurs in older horses.
  • Sticky or matted fur with thick crusts and scales, especially in the fetlock, can be signs of a bacterial infection such as Mauke syndrome. Nutrient deficiencies are usually involved.
  • Severe fur loss or thickening of the skin, together with poor wound healing and an increased risk of infection can indicate a zinc deficiency.
  • Muscle cramps and nervousness in conjunction with increased exposure to stress are often signs of a magnesium deficiency, especially in horses
  • A horses tail or mane that is too thin in combination with an increased susceptibility to infection, reduced willingness to perform, lameness, itching, and brittle hooves can be signs of a selenium deficiency.

Fur reflects living conditons
The animal's coat adapts to life in the respectve region it lives in, and thus reflects not only the
climatic but also geological conditons. Grazing animals that eat nutrient-rich grass are better supplied
with nutrients than those that live in barren conditons. If the nutritonal content of the feed is not
balanced, the fur and health of the animal is affected. Some nutrient elements are more needed than
others.

Fur analysis and its advantages
Aside from providing informaton regarding long term or chronic metal exposure, the easy access to
the testng material is an advantage that should not be underestmated. Non-invasive sampling is
problem-free for animals and pet owners. 

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