advice on lami b4 spring

R

rainer

Well-Known Member
Joined
5 January 2013
Messages
686
Location
herefordshire
Visit site
First time owners of a 12.2hh 4 year old pony and after some advice on how to best prevent laminitus as we go into spring and the grass grows :/ I know a few things like restricting grass and muzzles but have never put anything into practice myself and want to do everthing possible to prevent it,we do have a stable also.
Thanks in advance
 
I have a lamnitic pony, and the best advice I can give is avoid turning out in the first flush of spring. Even short grass will be loaded with sugar. If you do turn out, then muzzle AND restrict grazing. Also try not to leave out 24/7. Keep a close eye on his weight. Exercise is extremley important too.

Grassguard grazing muzzles I have found work best, though pretty pricey compare to others on the market. (£50 v £15).

Good luck. With Laminitus, you just cannot take any risks !
 
rainer said:
First time owners of a 12.2hh 4 year old pony and after some advice on how to best prevent laminitus as we go into spring and the grass grows :/ I know a few things like restricting grass and muzzles but have never put anything into practice myself and want to do everthing possible to prevent it,we do have a stable also.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Has this pony had laminitis before? What is it's current weight like?
 
Keep weight down, stable either during the day and turnout overnight or restricted grazing during the day (muzzle or only out for short time) exercise as much as possible. Keep an eye out for the first signs eg heat/pulses/footiness and react then and you will know what the ponys tolerance levels for sugar are. Keep an eye on the sugars in the grass with the laminitis app etc. there's a lot you can do to prevent it happening :) its much harder after they've had a bout :(
 
Learn how to take a pulse if you don't already know. Learn ALL the signs,not just the classic ones. Henry's early warnings are puffy fetlocks and spongy coronet bands, plus cresty neck and general lethargy when it comes to ridden work. He's restricted and/or muzzled from May onwards (in this season, he was restricted until the ice and snow came!), as grass is very, very slow to come through properly in my field, but I do know that many people have to restrict all year round.
 
Good advice.

My mare had lami 3 years ago and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I always weigh with tape every 2 weeks at same time and condition score. I always muzzle when she's out, weigh & soak hay and turnout only at safe times.
 
He's never had lami as far as I know, I just want to know how best to prevent it :) will invest in a muzzle I think as he's a good weight now for this time of year. We have a stable so he could be in that for part of the day. Need to get a weight tape also. We have electric fence so can strip graze etc :)
 
Mine stay on the same grass year round so never get to go on rested grass. I put a track round the edge in spring and summer and so far have never needed to use a muzzle which I hate. So effectively they are on restricted grazing on the roughest grass at the edge of the field means they have shelter from the hedge very short grass and access to water. They have water at one end of the track and if needed hay at the other
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top