Horses and ponies are all at risk of laminitis throughout the year - as are mules and donkeys. Vets have reported a major rise in cases of this painful and deeply troubling condition.
In years gone by, laminitis in horses was seen as a condition that arose mainly in horses that were fat and eating more spring grass than they should.
In fact, the causes of laminitis - or at least some of the main issues that raise the chances of horses succumbing to the disease - include:
- Cushing's Disease
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome
- Eating too much rich grass
- Eating too much 'stressed' grass - grass affect by hard frosts or snow, drought or very close grazing
- Too much cereal in the diet
- Allergies
- Foot trauma caused by standing on hard ground for exceptionally long periods of time
Owners have struggled for years to sort fact from fiction when it comes to treating laminitis in horses, but latest findings point to the following measures as being likely to help ease the condition.
- As with many things, prevention is better than cure - so special care should be taken with animals that have had one attack of laminitis already. A vital measure is to manage the horse's diet with great care and ensure that all the digestive functions are given plenty of support. There are many herbal supplements which can ensure that all the nutritional needs of the horse are met and that the liver and metabolism particularly get great support. Herbs for horses can also help horses with laminitis to recover. But do consult your vet regarding the conventional medical treatment which needs to be administered alongside natural, nutritional supplements.
- The Laminitis Trust approves a range of low sugar chaff-type feed which does well when combined with a high-quality mineral and vitamin supplement marked as suitable for equines that are susceptible to laminitis.
- Look for a high-quality herbal tonic that is aimed at delivering good results for equine digestion and metabolism. A 25-day course of such a tonic from a reputable supplier should be given regularly - four times a year. This will reduce the chances of potentially toxic metabolites getting into the bloodstream, having by-passed the liver, which can lead to blood flowing away from hooves and feet. Worming products contain powerful drugs which can challenge the horse's liver so it is suggested that a worming product should be administered on day six of each course of herbal liver tonic for best results.
- Watch like a hawk for any signs of lameness in the front feet. A serious warning sign is if your horse is clearly trying to walk or stand in such a way that takes the weight off those front feet. If you see this, get your farrier to check the feet immediately and then, if there is no obvious cause that can be excluded, see your vet without delay. X-rays may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of laminitis and then special shoes could be required to reduce the chances of long-lasting damage to the pedal bone and the laminae.
- If your horse is let out to graze freely it's a good idea to put limits on the time he/she spends grazing and where they graze. Smaller paddocks of older grass can be better than allowing uncontrolled access to rich grass with high nitrogen levels and lots of clover. Also avoid 'stressed' grass when there have been periods of drought or snowy, frosty weather.
- Be wary of horses that spend time in schooling arenas accidentally eating sand when they eat hay off a sandy arena floor. Putting a rubber stable mat under the hay rack or net can stop this danger. Over time, too much sand in the stomach can cause a blockage in the gut or even lead to sand colic.
- Two or three times a week check your horse for signs that he/she is putting on weight, has a harder neck than usual or is developing a different rump profile. If you see any of these signs, limit grazing and reduce feed and increase exercise and work. It is good practice to adjust the amount of hay and feed depending on how much grass is available for grazing and the quality of that grass. Grass that grows quickly when a wet spell follows a drought is liable to contain more fruit sugars and protein which are now thought to be contributory factors in some cases of laminitis.
Pegasus Health supplies a range of products that can ease the symptoms and bring relief from laminitis in horses.
Equi Life Formula4 Feet is one such product. It was developed by Robert Eustace FRCVS, Director of the Laminitis Clinic, in conjunction with Dr. David Frape, the country's leading equine nutritionist.
Equi Life Formula4 Feet provides unique benefits for horses at risk from laminitis as well as those with poor hoof horn quality, cracked hooves and weak heels. It contains more than 65 micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Each batch of Equi Life Formula4 Feet is tested at the world's leading equine forensic laboratory to guarantee it is free of substances listed in the Common Feed Contaminants Screen which would result in a positive dope test under FEI and Jockey Club rules.
Equi Life Formula4 Feet has been subjected to independent research at the University of Berlin, the world-renowned keratin institute.
Other products we supply which owners tell us bring great benefits to horses with laminitis include the innovative LaminTec 5-HT™ - which won a BETA International 2010 Innovation Award (Feeds & Supplements category). It is designed to help maintain the balance of key substances and thereby maintain a healthy equine circulation, including blood flow to the hoof and its capillary bed.
You may also with to consider NAF Five Star Laminaze - a unique blend of antioxidants combined with key gut support, bio-available sulphur and targeted nutrients, to maintain good hoof health. NAF Laminaze is not recommended for pregnant mares or competition use.
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