Laminitis
Rebecca Goodwin qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2009 and has an advanced practitioner certificate in equine medicine. She enjoys walking her seven-year-old lurcher, Bran, as well as riding her family’s Thoroughbred, Ricky.
Q How does the warmer weather affect grass, and is my pony at more risk of laminitis? Charlotte Milton, Berkshire
AIt’s good to be more aware of the laminitis risk as the weather starts to warm up and spring begins to bloom. This is because of changing sugar levels in grazing at this time of year, and it’s the carbohydrate called fructan that is usually to blame.
Fructan facts
Fructans are naturally occurring carbohydrates that are stored in plants. During daylight, grass undergoes photosynthesis to make sugars – sucrose being the primary output, along with fructose and glucose. Any excessive sugars are then stored as fructans. High fructan levels are associated with an increased risk and incidence of pasture-associated laminitis. They’re found in grazing when photosynthesis takes place, but the grass can’t grow as it would normally – for example during cold, frosty weather or due to a lack of fundamental nutrients. Fructan levels are higher in the spring, when the weather is warmer but the day length is shorter, but pastures are always variable.