It is important to look out for Laminitis again over the next few weeks as the rain starts and the grass has a final growth spurt before the winter. Tommy has a tendency to put on weight so I still have to be strict with his access to grass. Unfortunately, my previous pony Fidget did get Laminitis one year, luckily it was not a bad case and I caught it early.
Here is a reminder of the condition.
Laminitis is a terrible and crippling condition of the feet. However, it is also one that is understood more and more each year. This can only be a good thing as treatments are developed and better understanding helps us to avoid the condition affecting our horses or ponies.
The key thing to remember is that Laminitis can affect any type of horse or pony.
What is Laminitis?
To understand laminitis you need to understand a little about the structure of a horse's hoof. The hoof wall consists of an outer layer of horn (which is insensitive) under this there is an inner layer which is sensitive - the laminae! The laminae support the pedal bone which in turn supports the horse's weight.
What causes Laminitis?
This is an area that has gained increased understanding in the last few years. It is now thought that up to 90% of laminitis cases have an underlying hormonal disease which is the root of the problem. These hormonal diseases have been found to be either PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) also called Cushing's Disease or EMS (Equine Metabolic Disorder).
PPID is an abnormality in the pituitary gland. Clinical signs include:
·
laminitis
·
hirsutism - long hair and/or
abnormal shedding of winter coat
·
muscle wastage
·
lethargy
However, we must not discount the factors that we can have a direct affect on and always remember that horses (and ponies) that are overweight are particularly susceptible!
1.
High intake of sugars and starch
- an excessive amount of these can cause an overload in the digestive
system. Any undigested sugar and starch
are pushed through to the hindgut. As
the bacteria in the hindgut break down the sugar and starch the acidity in the
gut increases - this kills off the bacteria that digest the fibre in the
horse's diet. As these bacteria die they
release toxins into the gut which are passed into the bloodstream causing a
response which appears to disrupt the blood flow. In the feet this can cause laminitis as
explained above.
2.
Stress - dramatic changes in
environment have been seen to trigger laminitis, especially in overweight
horses or ponies. Mares also seem to be
at risk shortly after foaling.
3.
Obesity - (see last week's blog)
excess weight increases the strain on a horse's vital organs and limbs.
4.
Concussion - if a horse has been
worked fast on a hard surface eg: trotting on the road the laminae can be
affected. This trauma to the laminae can
cause laminitis.
Symptoms of Laminitis
Typical laminitis stance
There are 2 types of the disease; acute and chronic.
Acute Laminitis: the symptoms appear suddenly and are severe.
·
Inability or reluctance to walk
or move
·
May lie down and be unwilling to
get up
·
Horse will be visibly lame,
especially on a circle or hard surface
·
Digital pulse in the foot will
have increased
·
When standing the horse may lean
back on to its hind feet
·
When walking the horse may place
his heels down first to avoid placing extra weight on the painful area in front
of the point of the frog.
Chronic Laminitis: the symptoms are ongoing usually from a relapse of a previous acute attack.
·
Horse's hoof will have the
appearance of growth rings around the wall (easily confused with rings as a
result of changes in nutrition)
·
The heel often grows more quickly
than the toe
·
The white line may have widened
in the hoof wall
·
The horse or pony may have a
large crest.
Laminitis rings
Treating Laminitis
·
Call the vet immediately if you
spot any of these symptoms to avoid worsening of the signs and so that they can
reduce the horse or ponies pain and give advice
·
Put the horse in a stable with a
deep bed
·
Remove any feed but provide clean
fresh water
·
Roughage should still be provided
- follow the vet's advice
What can the vet do?
·
Give extra pain relief
·
Give anti-biotics to reduce the
number of bacteria in the gut which are causing the toxin release
Prevention
·
Feed high fibre feed, low in
carbohydrate and sugar. Avoid cereal
mixes and molassed products
·
Restrict grass intake -
especially in spring and autumn when the grass is high in soluble carbohydrates
(fructans)
·
Turn out at night when there are
less fructans in the grass, keep them in the stable in the day
·
Do not turn out on lush or grass
covered with frost - high fructans
·
Reduce any stress by keeping the
horse with a friend on the same routine
Always monitor your horse or pony's weight and be vigilant for any signs or symptoms. Once a horse has suffered they are more susceptible in the future.
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Until
next time!
Jo
