May is 'Laminitis Awareness Month' and to help raise awareness
we have a brief article followed by links for further reading and
how you can help. Many people think that laminitis is a disease that
only affects fat ponies, but it can, in fact, affect all types of
horse and pony.
So what is laminitis?
Laminitis is the inflammation of the laminae in the horses foot, thought
to be caused by an inadequate blood supply. Although not fully understood
it is believed that this causes the break down of the laminae which,
if left untreated leads to the coffin bone of the foot rotating or
sinking.
What causes laminitis?
One of the most common causes of laminitis is overfeeding. Turning
horses out onto rich pasture or feeding excess concentrates is a recipe
for disaster. Other causes include toxins in the bloodstream, excessive
concussion to the legs or uneven weight bearing. Further research
is needed to highlight how important the various factors are to the
development of the disease.
How can I tell if my horse has laminitis?
The horse will show signs of lameness which will vary in severity.
The horse may be reluctant to put weight onto his heels and there
will be an increased strength in the digital pulse. Veterinary attention
is essential as the condition should not be left untreated.
How can I protect my horse from laminitis?
Unfortunately there is no way of protecting your horse 100% but a
few steps will ensure you reduce his chances of being affected.
Let us know about your experiences of laminitis or if you have any
fund raising ideas for the Laminitis Trust on our
'Feeding' discussion board. |
