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Stages Of Laminitis

Stages Of Laminitis

“The most common cause of Laminitis, is high intake of soluble carbohydrates (sugars and starch). When excessive amounts of these components are ingested, it causes an overload in the digestive system with undigested sugar and starch pushed through to the hindgut. Bacteria breaks down the undigested material causing acidity in the hindgut, which kills the bacteria that digests fibre. As the bacteria die they release toxins into the gut, which are then passed into the bloodstream through the gut wall. These toxins provoke a response within the horse that is thought to disrupt blood flow, which, in the feet, can cause laminitis”- Blue Cross

Laminitis can also be caused by Cushing’s Disease, EMS, stress, concussion, obesity & severe infection. 

Laminitis has different stages of severity, at the first stage the horse may not show signs, or if he does, they may be very subtle. The second stage, Acute Laminitis, is when the condition first fully develops. The horse will show signs associated with pain (pinched face, rocking back on the heels). Chronic or long-term laminitis is usually where the horse has had several episodes, causing changes to the hoof/pedal bone.  It’s incredibly important to call your vet immediately if you think your horse may have laminitis. It’s vital to get treatment quickly to reduce the risk of the condition worsening and reducing your horse’s pain.

Once diagnosed, your vet will then work closely with your farrier to monitor the condition. Acute Laminitis can be treated with box rest on a deep shavings bed to support the hoof from underneath, this then alleviates pressure and supports the horse’s feet. The pain may be managed with a prescription of pain killers to make the horse more comfortable.

Chronic or long term laminitis will initially be treated the same way, but the horse may then need remedial shoes or trimming to stabilise and rehabilitate the foot.

With Laminitis, prevention is definitley better than cure. Laminitis can be prevented by ensuring your horses is kept at a good weight (body score of 5) and is fed on a diet low in sugar and starch. Grazing should also be monitored and you should ensure you dont let your horse graze on lush grass that is high in sugar for long periods. To lower the sugar levels in forage such as hay, it can be soaked for a minimum of 60 minutes. Alternitively, an Alfalfa or Straw Chop can be fed. Just note, although Alfalfa is lower in sugar, it is higher in protein so will add condition to a horse that is in low level work.

Top 5 Prevention Picks

Greedy Feeder Haynets 5.5kg £16.50 11kg £25.99

 

  • Slow your greedy feeder down for better digestion and extended stable activity.
  • This net has very small holes which let hay or haylage out slowly and make the horse have to work harder.
  • They also help to reduce the amount of wastage on the stable floor.
  • Longer forage time means less opportunity for boredom and inactivity.
  • Mesh Size: 3 centimeter Small Net Size: 39 inches long/5.5kilogram capacity.

Dengie Hi Fi Molasses Free 20kg £14.25

 

  • A tasty blend of nutritious alfalfa with high-quality soft cereal straw. The inclusion of mint, fenugreek and alfalfa pellets creates interest and taste, perfect for fussy eaters.
  • A light rapeseed oil coating provides slow-release energy and creates lovely coat shine.
  • Suitable for horses and ponies that require a low sugar and starch ration, such as those prone to laminitis, EMS or PPID
  • Naturally low in starch (1.5%) and sugar (2.5%) – approximately one fifth of the sugar found in average hay, No grass to ensure simple sugar and storage sugar levels are minimal.

Silvermoor Swingers 1kg £3.95



Silvermoor Rope Kit £4.50

 

  • The innovative design attaches to the rope (which can be bought separately) and is hung in your stable.
  • The unique swinging design means the horse has to work to be able to eat it. This means it cannot be eaten quickly and will take longer to eat than similarly sized traditional blocks of forage.
  • Eating regularly promotes saliva production which buffers stomach acids and helps prevent against gastric ulcers. Silvermoor Swingers are low in sugar and low in starch.
  • They provide a healthy addition to be used to complement the horses’ diet and can help manage weight.
  • Gorgeous Grass flavour are safe to use for laminitics and good doers as well as insulin resistant horses and those suffering from EMS.

Topspec Antilam 15kg £29.95

 

  • TopSpec AntiLam is a palatable, pelleted forage balancer specifically designed to provide nutritional support for those prone to laminitis. It can also be fed to horses and ponies undergoing veterinary care.
  • It contains a range of highly-effective supplements pelleted onto a high-fibre, very low-calorie base.

Hy Grazing Muzzle Small Pony, Pony, Cob, Full £14.50

  • This nylon muzzle slows the horse's grazing.
  • Featuring a rubber base, Velcro closure headpiece and clip throat lash for easy fitting and to keep the muzzle in place.
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