Guidelines On How To Avoid Laminitis In Spring
Guidelines On How To Avoid Laminitis In Spring
Spring is a notorious time for horses and ponies to get laminitis or founder. The rapid growth of grass in spring and higher levels of sugars in grass means that horses are at risk of getting infected with the very dangerous condition known as laminitis or founder.
The inflammation of the laminae that hold the pedal or coffin bone to the hoof wall is called laminitis. The pedal bone is the lowest bone in the leg of a horse and sits inside the hoof.
Swelling of the sensitive laminae results in the deep digital flexor tendon to pull on the back of the pedal bone and pull it away from the hoof wall. This pulling results in "rotation" of the pedal bone. This can be very distressing and can even result in the pedal bone falling through the bottom of the foot, which typically results in the horse having to be euthanized.
So, why does a flush of spring grass lead to laminitis? The rise of the sugar content within the feed causes an proliferation of a particular bacteria in the hindgut of the horse. As these bacteria inevitably die they release a toxin known as an endotoxin that is absorbed into the blood stream. These toxins reach the blood vessels inside the foot and cause a reduction in the flow of blood to the laminae in the foot causing the laminae to release the grip on the pedal bone.
As far as laminitis is concerned, prevention is much better than cure. Thus, how to prevent laminitis? This is a multiple stage process, and some horses and ponies would need more of these measures than others.
Firstly, take the horse away from the high risk pasture. Keep the horse in a poor quality paddock or lock it up off the problem pasture.
Secondly, soak hay to reduce the sugar content. Soaking hay in luke-warm water for an hour will reduce sugars by almost thirty percent.
Thirdly, feed additives could be extremely beneficial. Foundergard is a horse feed supplement which has an anti-bacterial impact and stops the overgrowth of the bacteria that release the toxin that results in laminitis. Foundergard is indicated in horses and ponies that have a history of laminitis.
Another feed additive is Kohnke's Own, Trim. Kohnke's OwnTrim is a horse feed supplement that changes sugar metabolism and is particularly useful for those cresty, overweight ponies. Both Trim and Foundergard could be combined to assist improve protection.
If your horse or pony is having difficulty walking or standing with its hind legs beneath it more than normal, then your horse might be struggling with laminitis. If you suspect this contact your vet immediately, it could be a matter of life or death! There are several other things your vet can do to treat laminitis.
This article is designed as a guide only and doesn't go into the in depth management of laminitis. I recommend seeking professional assistance in the management of laminitis is good. Traveling to Africa - 3 Important Travel Tips Paul Chehade - Christmas Message - Solidary Foundation Budget Saving - Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas:christmas deals 2010 A Great Holiday Experience in Europe and USA Hanmer Springs – Hot Springs Hideaway in Alpine Air Christmas Gift Ideas for 2010 : Christmas deals 2010 Christmas Gift Ideas - How to Make the Holidays Unforgettable : Christmas deals 2010 Christmas Gift Ideas - Create an Unforgettable Christmas With Distinctive Gifts : Christmas deals 2010 Christmas Gift Ideas - Build Your Own Christmas Gift Baskets - Ideas To Consider : Christmas deals 2010 Enjoy the Ultimate Holiday Destination What to Expect From Holiday Rentals Cannes Enjoy Christmas Themed SWF on iPod Touch with SWF to Video Converter Christmas deal on TaylorMade Tour Burner Fairway Wood Review