SPRING LAMINITIS
By Linda Kennard NAF
Once again we have reached that time of year that many horse owners and horses dread - Spring.
Grass is often known as “Dr Green” but it can cause problems too. With the onset of the spring flush of grass care must be taken to eliminate the risk of laminitis. Although there are many causes, the majority of laminitis is simply caused by overeating. But whatever triggers the reaction, rich grass or grain, it is exaggerated and accelerated by the build up of free radical toxins.
About 75% of the blood in the body passes through the liver. The liver is responsible for detoxifying endotoxins. As the bacteria in the body die everyday they release small amounts of endotoxins into the blood stream. If excessive amounts of endotoxins are produced this stimulates a massive immune response, which disrupts the blood supply to the feet. The result is laminitis.
Fructans are the sugars within grass and these fructans can be key in some laminitic cases. Fructan levels are highest in the morning. Therefore ideally a horse on restricted turnout would be better turned out in the afternoon or between dusk and dawn. Although with days lengthening this would require a very early start.
Laminitis has always been thought of as fundamentally a metabolic problem. It is now increasingly being thought of as a diabetes like condition linked to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Similar to human diabetes, obesity plays a major role in laminitis occurrence, and fitness levels are vital to prevention.
The build up of toxins can be tackled through nutrition. Antioxidants, as with human nutrition, have the ability to act as free radical scavengers and help the liver to flush out the undesirable toxins from the system.
Unfortunately antioxidants are susceptible to attack from heat and air and are therefore lacking in prepared and preserved feeds. When choosing an antioxidant supplement ensure it contains a broad range of naturally sourced nutrients. No one nutrient suits all animals, and the synthetically produced antioxidants, such as pure Vitamin E or pure Vitamin C, often compare poorly in potency with their natural neighbours.
Another key nutrition is sulphur. A bio-available source of sulphur, such as MSM, is readily absorbed by the horse. Sulphur is vital to the integrity of the laminae and supports the soft tissue as well as the “sulphur-bridges” within the laminae.
Zinc and calcium are also recommended for hoof condition.
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.
• 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 on how nutritional support
can help you manage horses and ponies prone to Laminitis, please call the NAF Freephone Advice Line: 0800 373 106 or email info@naf-uk.com
