Reduce your horse’s laminitis risk
Here are 6 things you can do to protect against this potentially devastating inflammatory condition of the hoof.
1. Know your horse’s specific risk status.
All horses need to be protected from laminitis, but some require more vigilance than others. The poster horse for high laminitis risk is an inactive and overweight easy keeper. Horses with insulin resistancea condition in which liver and fat cells do not respond normally to insulinare also at greater risk, as are those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing’s disease), an endocrine disorder that leads to excess production of the hormone cortisol. And, of course, any horse who has had laminitis in the past is at a high risk for recurrence.
2. Limit his access to lush pasture.
The majority of laminitis cases are socalled “pasture laminitis,” triggered by sugars and starches in grasses. Although lush spring pasture is most commonly associated with laminitis, research shows that grass can contain high levels of sugar and starch at any time of year. However, turnout is important for any horse’s physical and mental health, so talk to your veterinarian about using a grazing muzzle to limit or prevent your horse’s grass intake. Or consider establishing a grassfree dry lot for your horse.
3. Restrict his intake of carbs and sugars.
Sugars and starches in feed, treats and even some hays can trigger the laminitis. If your horse is at risk, scrutinize his diet. Sweet and senior feeds can be high in sugar, but nearly every feed company offers alternative products formulated with laminitis prevention in mind. Also consider having each batch of the hay you purchase tested at a local agriculture laboratory. Finally, instead of offering your horse apples and peppermints as rewards, switch to celery or treats formulated for horses on restricted diets.
4. Keep his weight in check.
Obesity is a significant contributor to laminitis. Decreasing a horse’s weight typically requires dietary changes as well as regular exercise. Work with your veterinarian to formulate a weightloss plan for your horse, and do not be surprised if it includes drastic changes in his (and your) activity levels.
5. Identify and control PPID.
An estimated 70 percent of horses over the age of 20 develop PPID, a malfunction of the pituitary gland that leads to hormonal imbalances. Signs of the disorder include a persistent hair coat, excessive thirst, muscle wasting and general lethargy. Several diagnostic tests for PPID are available and can be done at any time of the year if the results are interpreted carefully. PPID can be controlled with the drug pergolide, which is sold for horses under the name Prascend.
6. Keep his feet in good shape.
The structures of overgrown or unbalanced hooves may become so stressed that they cannot withstand even a minor laminitic episode. And neglect alone can also trigger mechanical laminitis, a structural failure that occurs without a systemic insult. Keep your horse on a regular farriery schedule.