Laminitis in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, Weight-Loss Wonders, and a Springtime Guide to Happy Hooves

What is Laminitis?

The hooves serve as the structural foundation for your horse, akin to the base of a skyscraper. Within these hooves are small, essential support structures known as lamellae, which function like architectural scaffolding to maintain stability.

Laminitis is a serious condition where these supporting lamellae become compromised, potentially leading to a painful and dangerous shift or rotation of the bones within the hoof capsule. Whether triggered by hormonal imbalances, a malfunctioning immune system, or improper diet, the consequence is often severe discomfort or distress for the animal.

Causes: What are the most common causes of Laminitis?

• Endocrinopathic Laminitis: Hormonal disorders such as PPID and EMS can disrupt your horse’s insulin levels, affecting the stability of the lamellae in the hooves. High-sugar pastures exacerbate this issue, acting as a catalyst for the condition.
• SIRS-Related Laminitis: Immune System Overreaction Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) can cause the horse’s immune system to react excessively, resulting in inflammation that the hooves cannot manage. This can escalate into laminitis, especially if there are additional symptoms like fever.
• Carbohydrate Overload: A sudden influx of carbohydrates in the diet, often from grains, can disturb the horse’s digestive system. This imbalance may set the stage for laminitis.
• Grass Founder: Excessive consumption of rich, sugary grass can lead to a specific type of laminitis known as “grass founder.”
• Supporting Limb Laminitis: If a horse is recuperating from an injury on one leg, the opposite leg is at risk due to the added stress and reduced blood flow, potentially causing laminitis.
• Severe Colic: Gastrointestinal issues like severe colic can induce laminitis as a secondary symptom.
• Retained Placenta For postpartum mares, a retained placenta can pose a risk for developing laminitis.

Symptoms: Identifying Signs of Laminitis

• Lameness: Your horse could display an unusual gait or difficulty in moving
• Heat in the Feet: Warmth in the hooves is a potential early warning sign
• Increased Digital Pulse: An elevated pulse near the fetlocks may indicate laminitis.
• Pain Upon Pressure: Discomfort when pressure is applied to the feet is a significant symptom to note.
• Hesitant Gait: A cautious or hesitant gait can be a red flag
• Sawhorse Stance:  A stretched-out front and tucked-under rear stance shows the horse is trying to redistribute weight from the painful hooves.

Treatment & Prevention

1. Immediate Veterinary Consultation: Prompt veterinary intervention is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, which often involves a thorough physical examination, blood tests, x-rays and medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like phenylbutazone.
2. Proper Footing: Ensure a comfortable surface for the horse, especially during the acute phase. Options include hoof boots with inserts, soft sand, or shavings.
3. Farrier/Barefoot Trimmer Involvement: Skilled hoof care is essential for the short and long-term management of laminitis. Provide them with X-ray results for optimal treatment.
4. Weight Management:  Address excess weight with dietary adjustments and proper exercise.
5. Dietary Guidelines: Opt for low-sugar hay, appropriate feed, and healthy treats. Avoid lush, sugary pastures and carbohydrate-rich foods.
6. Supplementation: See our recommended support supplements below – but also give in conjunction with your vets advice

Weight-Loss Wonders: Shaking off the pounds

Chubby ponies are adorable, but excess weight can lead to laminitis. So, what’s the equine equivalent of gym workouts and healthy salads?

• Weight Watchers: Horse Edition: Monitoring the weight, portion control, and being your horse’s cheerleader can make all the difference.
• Exercise Fun: Once your pony is comfortable enough, getting some exercise will be really important to help that weight loss
• Graze Smart: Avoid grazing lush pastures, especially between late morning and late afternoon hours, since plant sugars are the highest during these times. Restrict pasture intake during spring or anytime the pasture suddenly greens up. Consider a track system or grazing muzzles
• Enrichment: It’s really important to make sure your pony is in an enriched environment, especially if they are being penned up.  Get creative and put out some hay-balls, carrot trees and apple bobbing troughs!

Feed Frenzy: The Equine Gourmet Guide 

• The Salad Bar for Enrichment
  • Carrots and Celery: Crunchy and packed with vitamins! Who needs potato chips?
  • Cucumbers: As refreshing as a splash in the pond.
  • Apples (in moderation): Slice ’em thin and serve as a delightful dessert.
  • Zucchinis: A refreshing treat that’ll make your horse nicker in delight.
• The Hay Buffet
  • Low-Sugar Hay: Think of it as the whole-grain bread of the horse world. Healthy and satisfying.
  • Soaked Hay: Perfect for softening and rinsing away excess sugar. It’s like a gourmet soup!
• The NO-GO Zone
  • Bananas, Grapes, Cherries: Sorry, dear horses, these sweet delights are off the menu.
  • Rich Green Grass: It’s like the forbidden candy shop; window-shop but don’t indulge

Laminitis Safe Feeds From Cambridge Grains‘ Gourmet Kitchen:

• Cambridge Grains Safe & Sound: The go-to comfort food! It’s like the equine version of a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa on a rainy day.
• Prydes EasiSport: For the athletic equine, always on the go. Think of it as the power-packed energy drink in feed form.
• Prydes EasiKeeper: The no-fuss, all-delight daily staple. It’s like the perfectly seasoned home-cooked meal every horse craves.
• Dunstan Maxim Low GI: Keeping things balanced and breezy. It’s the yoga session and mindful meditation translated into feed.
• Hygain Zero: For the minimalist horse who likes it straightforward and streamlined. No frills, all thrills!
• British Horse Feeds Speedi Beet: A swift boost of beet-y goodness. If it was a dish, it would be the gourmet beet salad with a zing!
• Fibre Fresh Fibre Meadow: The lush green meadow in a meal. It’s the poetry, the dance, the song of feeds.
• Fibre Fresh Fibre Ezy: Smooth, easy, and so satisfying. The silk pajamas of the equine dining world.
• Benchmark Superfibre Mash: The ultimate mash-up of flavor and nutrition. Imagine a musical jam session but for your horse’s taste buds.
• Benchmark Perfect Mash: Perfection in every bite. It’s like that flawless dessert that ends a splendid meal.

And, a Special from Whiterocks‘ Delightful Diner:

• Whiterocks FibreSafe Complete: A balanced, wholesome, all-in-one feast. If there was a Michelin star for horse feeds, this one would be a contender!

Vetpost Supplement Recommendations:

InsulinWise: The Brainy Body-Builder

• What’s inside? A smart cocktail of herbs and antioxidants that would make a scientist raise an eyebrow in approval.
• What does it do? Helps manage blood sugar levels, making your horse’s body a well-oiled machine.

Vetpro Chromium Slim: The Slimming Superhero

• What’s inside? A blend of chromium, magnesium, and other magical minerals that could make even a unicorn jealous.
• What does it do? Works like a charm for weight control and metabolism management. It’s like your horse’s own personal fitness app!

Hoof Gold: The Glimmering Glitz-Kicker

• What’s inside? A golden mix of vitamins, biotin, and minerals that’s worthy of a treasure chest.
• What does it do? Nourishes and strengthens hooves. It’s like the red carpet treatment for your horse’s feet!

We also recommend if you’re not using one already, to make sure your pony is on a really good all-round vitamin and mineral supplement

Final Gallop

Now you know the A to Z of laminitis! The causes, the signs, and the funky ways to keep those hooves healthy. Embrace spring, but don’t let laminitis spoil the fun. For more goodies, trot over to VetPost, and keep those hooves dancing!