Re: Flax

[Trish Dowling <dowling@skyway.usask.ca>]

I posted this before - it should be in the archives.
Feeding flax seed is probably fine in small amounts however you choose to do it. Linseed oil is the oil extracted 
from flax. It is used as a wood preservative. It comes as RAW or BOILED linseed oil. You can use a small amount 
of the RAW linseed oil as a  supplement - about 2 oz per day. Any more than that, and it acts as a cathartic 
laxative - like Castor Oil! This can cause endotoxemia. Do not ever use boiled linseed oil. The boiled product has 
chemicals added to help it dry faster on the wood, and it's highly toxic. You can get both products at a paint store. 
I found adding 2 oz of raw linseed oil to be helpful in some horses that chronically colic - probably a mild laxative 
effect and their coats improved as a side effect.
We grow flax here on the prairies. It's the most beautiful seed crop - in July it produces sky blue flowers. You can't 
tell the fields from the sky.
Cheers,
Trisha

Trisha Dowling, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM & ACVCP
Associate Professor, Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
306-966-7359/FAX 306-966-7376



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