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It is a crippling
disorder that takes weeks or even months for the horse to recover
from. It can be permanently debilitating if not dealt with properly
and promptly, leading to much pain and suffering for the horse.
Laminitis is the inflammation of the laminae in the hoof. The laminae
are the connections that attach the coffin bone to the inner hoof
wall, holding the foot together. Chronic inflammation over time, or a
catastrophic laminitis episode, will lead to degeneration of the
blood vessels that feed the laminae and necrosis of the laminae
themselves. This breakdown of the laminae results in the coffin bone
separating from the hoof wall and 'rotating'.
In very
advanced cases, it is possible for the entire hoof to slough off, or
the coffin bone to penetrate the sole. This condition is
called 'Sinking', Distal Displacement of the Distal Phalanx, or
Vertical Displacement of the Coffin Bone. Lamellar separation is
occurring in all parts of the hoof, and the horse’s weight is forcing
the bone through the sole. 'Sinking' indicates more severe damage to
the lamellae than occurs during rotation. Radiographic evidence includes widening of the space between the hoof wall and the
bone.
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A great deal of
research is still ongoing into Laminitis.
Visit
the
Laminitis Trust
website for more
information regarding Laminitis research. |
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Most
laminitis cases are preventable, as they are related to the horse’s
diet. Grain overload and too much pasture are very common culprits.
Grain products are very high in sugar content, and pasture can
fluctuate from moderate to high sugar levels. Whether from grain,
grass or hay, this diet rich in sugar triggers the inflammation, and
therefore early symptoms of Laminitis.
Good routine management will also help
to prevent the onset of Laminitis
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Use a
Weigh Tape on a weekly basis
to keep an eye on weight gain.
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Keep a regular exercise routine. Lot's of brisk walking will keep the pounds at bay!
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Feed your
horse a high fibre,
low starch diet.
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Use
Electric Fencing
or
Grazing Muzzles
to restrict your horse's grass intake.
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Use horse feeds that are
approved by The Laminitis Trust.
All approved feed stocked by S.P.R. Centre. Phone: 01243 542815 for
full details
Important Information
Never be
tempted to starve a Laminitic horse.
This could lead to a condition known as Hyperlypanemia which can lead
to severe liver failure and mortality.
Remember: Any
horse or pony can get Laminitis, not just little ponies on lush grass!
Don't be
tempted to overfeed your horse for showing condition.
Good 'top line' comes from work and muscle; NOT fat.
If your horse is
overweight you will need to restrict it's feed intake to 1.5% of it's
body weight.
For example: In a 500kg horse this will mean 7.5kg of feed per
day - preferably a fibre based diet.
Add a
Vitamin
or Mineral Supplement,
or a
Feed
Balancer to help to
balance the ration.
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Feed your horse hay from hay nets with smaller holes.
This will make the hay last longer and help to keep the horse
occupied.
Turning out in a
Grazing Muzzle is also beneficial
as this
keeps the horse moving and therefore uses up more calories! |
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Soaking the hay for up to 12 hours prior to feeding has also been
shown
to reduce the amount of water soluble carbohydrates in the ration.
And Don't Forget:
S.P.R. Centre stock a
large range of
Electric Fencing and Accessories,
Supplements,
Hoof Care Products, and Laminitis
Trust approved feeds to help keep your equine friend 'Laminitis free'
this summer!
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