LAMINITIS
By Linda Kennard of NAF
What is Laminitis?
Laminitis has been a major problem recognised in horses and ponies for centuries. For all its importance and history and for all the research and concern laminitis remains a relatively unsolved dilemma. Alongside the horse it also affects mules and donkeys. Severe and reoccurring laminitis can lead to the animal being destroyed.
So what is laminitis? Very simply it is inflammation of the laminae. The laminae are the sensitive tissues that connect the hoof wall to the pedal (coffin) bone in the horses hoof.
When the normal blood flow to the foot is disrupted there is an inadequate blood supply to the sensitive laminae. If these tissues are starved of oxygen and nutrients from the blood the cells become damaged, inflammation is induced and cells die.
The inflammation can cause severe pain and can disrupt the alignment of the structures of the foot.
What causes Laminitis?
There are several factors which can trigger laminitis:
• Carbohydrate overload
• Severe colic
• Concussion
• Abrupt change of diet
• Toxin release
• Cushing’s
• Retained placenta
• Excessive doses of drugs
such as corticosteroids
All of these factors can cause a variety of affects on the blood pressure and the control of the blood flow through the laminae. About 75% of the blood in the horse’s body passes through the liver. The liver is responsible for detoxifying endotoxins. These endotoxins are released from the horses gut. As bacteria die in the gut every day they release small amounts of endotoxins into the blood stream. Excessive production of these endotoxins stimulates a massive immune response which disrupts the blood flow to the feet.
So what can we expect to see if a horse or pony is suffering with laminitis? A typical stance is the fore feet set out in front, with the weight of the horse set back and reluctance to move. These are the most frequently observed signs. There can also be constant heat in feet, an increase in the digital pulse or a very pottery action when moving.
Management
There are many causes and factors associated with laminitis and the severity can vary considerably. If you suspect that your horse or pony is suffering with laminitis it is important to call the vet.
If you suspect that your horse or pony may have suffered in the past forward planning and good management can help.
Grazing – manage this carefully. Do not turn out on very lush grass, in the frost or on a very bare paddock. The grass is safest at night when the sugar levels are in decline.
Diet – feed a low carbohydrate but high fibre diet. Never starve a laminitic horse or pony as this can lead to hyperlipaemia.
Nutritional Therapy – utilise the science of supplementary antioxidant formulas
Work – where possible try to keep the horse or pony fit. But avoid working on hard surfaces as this can lead to concussion.
Stress – minimise stress and try to keep to regular daily routine.
For more information about Laminitis and supplementary feeding may help in the
management of the condition please call one of Linda’s colleagues -
either Kate or Helen - on the NAF Freephone Advice Line 0800 373 106,
email info@naf-uk.com or go to www.naf-uk.com
