Laminitis
Laminitis is a common, painful and sometimes fatal condition that can occur at anytime throughout the year. There are numerous causes such as concussion, over working and infections; however there is a higher risk of dietary laminitis in the spring and summer months due to an increase in fructans (sugars) in the grass.
When the horse consumes excessive quantities of rich pasture it can lead to incomplete digestion in the small intestine. This can cause the built up of lactic acid in the hind gut leading to irritation of the gut lining; damaging the cell layers, and releasing toxins into the blood stream. These toxins can cause circulatory problems within the hoof leading to laminitis. The vet should be phoned immediately if any symptoms are seen. Symptoms can include:
• Your horse is lame and reluctant to move, making only small, careful, ‘pottery’ strides. This may be more noticeable on a turn or on hard surfaces
• Your horse may look as if he is putting his heel to the ground before his toe when he is walking
• The ‘laminitic stance’ is characteristic of the condition, with the forelegs stretched forwards and his weight shifted onto his heels to relieve pressure from the toes
• Your horse may appear uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to another
• In severe cases, your horse may become recumbent (lying down)
• Your horse’s coronary band may be unusually warm, but this is an unreliable sign
• You can feel a pounding digital pulse in the pastern
• Your horse’s sole is abnormally sensitive to pressure
Once a horse or pony has been diagnosed with laminitis they should always be treated as a laminitic as they will be more prone to the condition. With careful stable management and a diet high in fibre and low in starch, it is possible to control laminitis. Feeds such as ‘L’ Mix and Fast Fibre are ideal for laminitics.
Tips to avoid laminitis
1. Ensure your horse is a healthy weight as obese horses are at greater risk of developing the disease;
2. Limit the soluble sugars your horse consumes: molasses, cereals and lush grass can all be high in either sugar or starch;
3. Restrict grazing by either strip grazing your pasture or placing a grazing muzzle on your horse;
4. Avoid turnout on days where it is very cold but very bright and sunny as the fructan concentration will be at it’s highest. Wait until the temperature has risen and any frost on the grass has melted;
5. Ensure you feed a high fibre, low sugar, low starch diet. Feeds such as Fast Fibre and ‘L’ Mix are ideal;
6. Avoid high energy forages such as haylage, alfalfa and red clover. It may be an idea to soak your hay also, as this will remove any soluble sugars that remain in the forage from the harvesting process.
If you would like a free fact sheet on laminitis please ring our nutrition team on 01362 822 902.
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