The Horse Podiatrist

Nutrition & Feeding: Major Culprits For Equine Laminitis
Have you noticed changes in your horse's gait? Is he / she showing signs of fatigue or disinterested in exercising?
Equine laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive and insensitive laminae in horse's feet and generally occurs bilaterally in the front feet. This multi-faceted issue tends to run in heavier breeds such as draft horses as well as ponies, miniature horses and donkeys. ... Because laminae protect the coffin bone, when it is weakened, the wall to bone connection can become disrupted and sink. This situation can eventually lead to penetration of the sole. However, your horse does not have to live with this painful condition. Particular equine lifestyle concerns such as nutrition play one of the most significant roles in how laminitis develops and is controlled.
While certain risk factors such as Cushing's Disease & Equine Metabolic Syndrome can be a precursor to laminitis, many horse owners are shocked to learn that their feeding routine could be the major cause of the condition. Allowing horses to grain-load by feeding themselves without supervision (ad lib), or feeding excessive amounts all at once are serious risk factors. Whilst changing feeding behaviour immediately can significantly help prevent future inflammation, damaging effects to the laminae may have already set in.
If your horse exhibits the following, he /she may be experiencing laminitis: • Reluctance to follow owners while being led and propensity to lie down during activity • Will appear to have transitioned weight to back legs with back legs further forward • Hooves may be warmer than normal with raised digital pulses in the affected legs • Pain response upon applying pressure to the foot
Even if your horse is not currently suffering from laminitis, prevent the condition now by observing their eating behaviour. Limiting grain intake and adding speedi -beet can also ensure your horse receives adequate nutrition, but without causing digestive inflammation that leads to laminitis.
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED. THEHORSEPODIATRIST, YORK, NORTH YORKSHIRE, UK
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