Up to 60% off
Up to 60% off
“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.
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