Laminitis
Managing Laminitis.
Laminitis is unfortunately known commonly by horse and pony owners. The distinctive stance and lameness characteristics of this disease are widely recognised. However management and prevention are vague topics. There are several causes of laminitis. It is a disease which dosen’t just occur with obese horses which is something many horse owners believe. This disease can be a secondary condition to systemic diseases and hormonal unbalances such as Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Concussive trauma, excessive weight bearing e.g. obesity and gastrointestinal illnesses such as colic, are all contributing factors. During laminitis, the cells of the laminae within the hoof wall do not receive sufficient nutrients from the blood supply, which in turn lead to inflammation and deterioration of the cells, eventually resulting in cell death. In severe cases this damage can result in the digital phalanx (pedal bone) rotating and penetrating the sole of the hoof. After veterinary treatment, managing a lamintic horse is primarily influenced by its diet. Lush grass, excessive carbohydrates and an unbalanced ration are all things to be avoided.
“Chronic Laminitis requires owners to provide vigilant care and develop a basic understanding of forage nutrition” (Kentucky Equine Research Staff)
What to Feed?
Bluegrass Horse Feeds Stamm
30 is designed to promote health
and aid recovery. A premium
protein, vitamin and mineral
pack essential for the recovery
of laminae after suffering from
laminitis. The unique yeast
cultures promote gastroinestinal
health to increase bio-availability
of critical elements required for
recovery and maintenance of
laminitc suffers.
