Notes on Our Content: Science and Practical Experience at Sanoanimal

This article was translated using AI.

What you will find at Sanoanimal

Sanoanimal provides knowledge regarding equine health and nutrition through articles, podcasts, videos, webinars, and other formats. Our content relies on two sources: scientific studies and the practical experience gained by our network of therapists over more than 20 years. Why experiential knowledge matters: Medicine and natural sciences have been built upon careful observation for centuries. Today, controlled trials are rightfully regarded as the gold standard. However, in our view, it is sometimes overlooked that practical observations remain a distinct and valuable source of insight. They can be subject to bias, for instance through expectations or coincidence. That is a reason to examine them critically, but not a reason to dismiss them.

In addition, research is primarily conducted where funding is available. Consequently, many everyday equine questions are never investigated in scientific studies. This is a familiar situation from human medicine: well-established home remedies rarely have large-scale studies conducted on them, as there is hardly anyone willing to fund them. A lack of studies therefore does not mean that something has been disproven. However, it also does not mean that it has been proven.

How practice and research come together

Our aim is to combine the current state of scientific knowledge with what emerges in the day-to-day practice of our network. Where reliable studies exist, we base our guidance on them. Where they do not exist, we report from practical experience.
Many phenomena observed in practice over long periods were later taken up and confirmed by research. One example is the link between laminitis and elevated blood sugar and insulin levels, which is well-documented scientifically today. Such examples demonstrate that there can be more to an observation than mere coincidence or a placebo effect. However, they are no guarantee: not every observation will be confirmed by future studies.

What this means for the validity of our statements

For many correlations, methods, and feeding practices in horses, there are currently no scientific studies, or the existing ones do not meet the standards of independence and verifiability. Therefore, not every statement in our content is scientifically proven. When our therapists share what has proven effective in their practice, this represents an empirical report. It is not scientific proof of efficacy, nor is it a veterinary-confirmed claim. Results from individual cases cannot be generalized to every horse.

No diagnosis, no treatment recommendations

Our content is intended for general informational purposes and personal opinion-forming. It does not constitute a promise of healing or efficacy, nor is it an instruction manual for self-treatment. It is neither a substitute for examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a veterinarian or qualified therapist. Changes to feeding, husbandry, or treatment should always be coordinated with a professional who knows your horse. In the case of acute or serious conditions, such as colic, laminitis, or fever, the horse requires immediate veterinary attention.

Your responsibility, our liability

The decision of whether and how you apply our content is made solely by you and at your own responsibility. To the extent permitted by law, Sanoanimal accepts no liability for damages arising from the application of this content. This does not affect liability in cases of intent, gross negligence, or under mandatory statutory regulations.