Laminitis can occur at any time of the year, and in any horse, but the Spring grass can exacerbate the condition, and so now’s the perfect time to get clued up on the signs and symptoms.
It is reported that 50% of laminitis cases seen each year could be prevented with correct nutritional support, and so our article shares with you some of our great products that can help your horse.
What is it?
Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae – the membranes that hold the bone to the foot. If laminitis is not treated right away, the laminae can tear and the pedal bone and hoof wall separate, allowing it to rotate and causing severe pain.
Causes
- Hormonal imbalances – up to 90% of laminitic horses have an underlying hormonal condition
- Trauma – for instance fast work on hard ground
- Uneven weight bearing – as a result of lameness in the opposing leg
- Starch overload – the body cannot breakdown too much starch, causing toxins to be released into the bloodstream
Signs & Symptoms
- Walking heel before toe
- Reluctance to weight-bear on the affected feet
- Laying down to remove the weight from their hooves
- Increased pulse rate at the fetlocks
- Bruising to the feet
- Laminitic rings
- Convex shaped sole
Treatment & Prevention
- Anti-inflammatories
- Diet control & grazing restrictions
- Cold therapy
- Corrective farriery
- Avoid hard surfaces
- Treat medical conditions quickly
Global Herbs Re-builder
When controlling the diet of your laminitic horse, the lack of nutrients can slow the healing process, and so they may need topping up using a quality supplement. Rebuilder is ideal for use to support the development of sensitive areas in the foot and regrowth of the laminae. The natural ingredients support the immune system and provide the nutrients for horn growth. It is also an effective relaxing mix for those that must be kept on box rest until things improve.
NAF Laminaze
Correct feed and a disciplined management are vital if your horse or pony is prone to Laminitis, but on their own they are not always enough. Laminaze offers additional gut support to harmlessly flush out toxin build-up, and the added nutrients maintain hoof health for comfortable feet. It contains a unique blend of naturally sourced antioxidants combined with bio-available sulphur and targeted nutrients in a palatable formula to maintain hoof health and improve diet and lifestyle.
Global Herbs Laminitis Prone
LamiPro is a nutritional supplement which helps your horse maintain normal comfortable laminae. It aids good utilisation of feed, helping to sustain normal digestion and liver function, which in turn regulates hormonal levels and therefore helping to prevent the onset of laminitis. It is also ideal for use when laminitis attacks are most likely, for example during a flush of spring or frosty grass, however management practices should be in place during these times too.
Shires Deluxe Grazing Muzzle
A muzzle is a great way to restrict grazing for your laminitic horse whilst allowing them to move freely for exercise, as well as providing mental stimulation. The Shires grazing muzzle has fully adjustable head and throat straps for the perfect fit, and with fleece edging it offers superior comfort around the muzzle and chin. All fastenings are field safe, and a handy D ring allows you to lead the horse to and from the field. The base is made from rubber, with a hole through which the grass enters for the horse to eat, and the web bars are made from reinforced nylon, and allows free exchange of air.
Elim-a-Net Double Haynet
The type of haynet you use can greatly affect your horse’s foraging patterns. The Elim-a-net is the ideal aid for horses suffering with, or prone to laminitis. The inner net design alters the shape and size of the holes to prevent rapid consumption, and provide longer lasting forage so you can restrict your horse’s intake whilst keeping them mentally stimulated for longer.
Topspec Antilam
TopSpec AntiLam has been specifically designed to provide nutritional support for good-doers and those susceptible to or recovering from laminitis. It is a palatable, pelleted product that contains several vitamins and minerals combined with a high fibre, very low-calorie feed. Yeasts help to maintain a near-neutral environment in the gut to support the fibre-digesting bacteria, and helping to prevent the starch digesting bacteria (which influence laminitis) from multiplying.
