Feed for a laminitic pony

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sarah23

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Don't know if this is the right place but i know more people will see it here. I have a mini Shetland 31" who suffers from laminitis so does not get much grass turn out just hay, i have noticed he is starting to look a bit thin along is back bone, but a big belly which i assume is just a hay belly, he has always been quite round so never has this problem before. He does not get ridden so what would be a good feed to give him, or what is the best thing for him to help but a top line back on.
 
Is he wormed up to date? may be worth geting a worm count done. He shouldnt be losing condition like that on good quality hay. Worms can cause the symptoms you are describing and suprisingly his worm count could well be high even if he's on a regimented worming programme.

Maybe also have the vet check him out.

But as a guide in the winter my shetland lives off (restricted) hay and is ridden for 4 miles hacks twice a week, and still has problems losing weight! He's a veteran too...
 
they seem to be suggesting a high oil content feed is safer for putting condition on rather than excess carbohydrate. hope this helps it is not easy.
 
A big belly can be down to poor worming or lack in protein, its not always down to a "hay belly." Is he wormed regulally?? Is your shetty doing any work at all???? I fed my laminitic shetty simple systems feeds and he is doing very well on them. Getting top line back on any horse is a mixture of good feeding and good exercise.
My shetty isnt ridden but is exercised regulally by walking in hand or lunging.
Eddited to add... He may need some aditional supplements if all he is getting is hay
 
I am afraid to say he does not do any exercise apart from running around his turnout area. Somebody did suggest simple systems to me the other day, I have not heard of it before what is it like and do i just feed it like an ordinary feed ?
 
I would still have a worm count done, if you havent already. it only costs about £5.

I would then look at changing his hay and maybe giving him a supplement, a small feed of Happy Hoof or something would give him all his necessary vits and mins etc.

Then maybe work out an exercise regime for him. Lungeing, long reining, walks in hand.

Take a look at stinkbomb's photos in the picture gallery for examples of a mini in good condition.
 
Its designed to be fed in larger quantities so that the horses are able to trickle feed thus lasting longer. When my minis are stabled they get quite large feeds and they do pick at it through the night. However they are out 24/7 at the mo so i cant leave there feeds out overnight as i cant guarentee my shetty wouldnt eat both feeds!!!! So they get brought in for breakfast and tea and have a reduced amount. This isnt a problem if your shetty is out alone.

My shetty gets the lucistalks dampened with water and the total eclipse feed balancer for his vits etc. My mini horse gets the greengold, lucinuts and a larger amount of total eclipse, as he is a young colt and i use him for showing so needs that little bit extra.


If you email simple systems with your minis details and pics if poss they will decide a feeding regime for you, thay were very helpful. I must say i am extreemly pleased with the results so far with my two.
 
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[/ QUOTE ] "Take a look at stinkbomb's photos in the picture gallery for examples of a mini in good condition. "



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Gee thanks im blushing!!
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[/ QUOTE ] "Take a look at stinkbomb's photos in the picture gallery for examples of a mini in good condition. "



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Gee thanks im blushing!!
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well he is!! I'm quite jealous and am tempted to send my shettie to you so he can understand what a diet and work is LOL!!
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Take a look at stinkbomb's photos in the picture gallery for examples of a mini in good condition.

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I did that's what made me think about it. By the way stinkbomb i think your boy is truely stunning, you have my vote as well.
 
I feed my little pony equibites as she has such a small amount of feed, I like to know she is getting the vitamins/minerals she needs.

Of course, now the grass is here, she wont eat them, but I guess she is getting everything she needs from the grass and hedgerow!
 
I would agree with simple systems, if you email them they will give you a diet plan.

My mare has been prone since 2 and is now 13, she did well on SS over winter a time when she lost condition now shes a teen but she did get bored with it and its very messy.
However I do give her magnesium, comfrey and she will have some happy hoof, even though everyone goes on about it being molassed my vet recommended Happy hoof and speedi beet some years ago and its never set an attack off.
 
Depends on the wormers you have been using. For instance Encysted emerging small red worm are not detected in a worm count and they themselves can cause Laminitis. You need a specific wormer for them and also tape worm. If you have a horse prone to Laminitis I would also have a chat with your vet and see if it may be Cushings disease related as they could offer medication as well. Keeping you horse on the thin side is good management for horses prone to Laminitis.
 
I have a very lami pony and she has Baileys lo-cal for her vits and mins with hi fi lite and speedi beet (as she loses weight very easily).
 
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