Struggling with laminitis?

22 July 2016

This has been a very difficult year for owners of horses prone to laminitis. We have had calls from many people whose horses or ponies have gone down with this horrid condition, even for the first time. Often it strikes with no apparent warning but there are sometimes some subtle clues that observant owners have noticed. These are observations, not necessarily proved scientific facts! But if it helps, it can only do good. • Rich grass is known to be a trigger. Before it goes to the feet, you may notice your horse has loose droppings. Never ignore this. • Trot up your horse on a hard surface every day. This is good management anyway, to make sure he is sound. If the feet are sore, you will notice a reluctance to trot out as freely as usual, even if he is not actually lame – horses that are sore in both front feet do not limp but will “go short” or pottery. • We are all aware that a hard crest is associated with certain issues. Never ignore an increase in neck size or development of fat pads anywhere else. The time has come to cut the calories and most of all, any sugar or starch. • For some reason, some equines seem to use their salt lick more when an attack is imminent. If you feel your horse or pony is at risk, the best approach is to keep them off the grass for a few days. Provide a deep soft bed of shavings and hay, which can be soaked for an hour if you feel it may be a bit too rich. Simple System can advise on a suitable balancer. And of course, call your vet! Bear in mind that short, heavily grazed grass is under stress and will produce more sugar. Ryegrass fixes more sugar than other grass. Once grass has grown tall and gone to seed, it is much “safer” as it has more fibre and less sugar. Monitored access to this standing hay can work well. Sun makes sugar in the grass by photosynthesis, so sugar levels build up in the sunshine and decline overnight, so it can help to turn out as late as possible and graze overnight. Bring the horse in for the day with suitable hay. What is suitable hay? Ideally it will have been made in July or August – June made hay has significantly more sugar. It can be best to avoid ryegrass. Soaking is controversial. If you have your hay analysed, you will know if it is high in sugar and can take appropriate steps. Soaking for long periods can lead to fermentation and an increase in acid-producing bacteria. Our own research has shown an hour is plenty!