Myconal

Myconal

Myconal is a liquid product based on essential oils, specifically developed for nebulization in horses. The formulation contains tea tree and thyme essential oils and is intended to support respiratory health, particularly in horses exposed to fungi and fungal spores.

Fungi and fungal spores are commonly found in horses’ environments, including hay, bedding, and stable dust. Exposure to these particles can contribute to respiratory irritation and inflammation. Myconal is used as an adjunct to support respiratory health through inhalation.

Properties and benefits

Myconal combines tea tree and thyme essential oils. These botanical ingredients contain various aromatic compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial properties under laboratory conditions.

The product has been developed for administration by nebulization, allowing its components to come into contact with the respiratory tract through inhalation.

Myconal is primarily used as an adjunct in horses with respiratory complaints where exposure to fungi and fungal spores may play a role.

However, the antimicrobial properties of individual essential oils do not necessarily mean that Myconal is clinically effective against fungal infections in horses. Sufficient product-specific clinical evidence is currently lacking.

When to use Myconal?

Myconal may be considered under veterinary guidance for horses:

• Exposed to fungi and fungal spores in their environment.
• Experiencing recurrent respiratory problems where fungal exposure may be a contributing factor.
• For which additional respiratory support through nebulization is desired.

Myconal does not replace targeted treatment of respiratory diseases or confirmed fungal infections. Persistent respiratory symptoms require investigation of the underlying cause.

Composition

Tea tree essential oil, thyme essential oil.

Directions for use and dosage

Myconal is intended for use with a suitable equine nebulizer.

Initial treatment: 2.5 mL per nebulization session, twice daily, for 20 days.

Maintenance: 3 mL once daily, depending on the individual situation and the attending veterinarian’s recommendations.

Shake the bottle well before use.

To facilitate nebulization, it is recommended to dilute Myconal with physiological saline solution (0.9% NaCl). A minimum dilution ratio of 1:1 is recommended. For example, mix 2.5 mL of Myconal with 2.5 mL of physiological saline solution per nebulization session.

Always use a clean nebulizer and ensure that the product is compatible with the device being used. Follow the individual recommendations of the attending veterinarian.

Because essential oils may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive horses, discontinue administration if coughing, breathing difficulties, or other adverse reactions occur.

Packaging and duration of use

Myconal is available in a 100 mL bottle.

• Initial treatment: at 2.5 mL twice daily, one bottle provides 20 days of use (40 nebulization sessions).
• Maintenance: at 3 mL once daily, one bottle provides approximately 33 days of use.

Adding physiological saline solution does not change the amount of Myconal administered per session.

Store in a cool, dry place and close the bottle tightly after use. Keep out of reach of children.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

Environmental factors play an important role in horses with chronic or recurrent respiratory problems. Dust and fungal spores from forage and bedding can contribute to airway inflammation. Reducing exposure to these particles through low-dust forage, appropriate bedding, and adequate ventilation is therefore an essential part of respiratory management.

Research has shown that fungi are frequently detected in respiratory samples from horses with inflammatory airway diseases. However, the presence of fungi does not necessarily indicate an active fungal infection.

Myconal may be considered as an adjunct through nebulization, although the clinical efficacy and safety of this specific formulation have not been adequately investigated. Particular caution is advised in horses with sensitive or inflamed airways.

For horses with persistent coughing, nasal discharge, abnormal breathing, or reduced performance, I recommend a targeted respiratory examination. Depending on the clinical findings, endoscopy, tracheal wash, bronchoalveolar lavage, or microbiological testing may be indicated.

When using Myconal alongside other nebulized products, such as SilvaPlex, it is recommended to administer them in separate nebulization sessions. Do not mix products in the same nebulizer chamber without prior veterinary advice.