How difficult is Laminitis to control?

[Charlie.x]

I recently went to see a horse for sale, the owner was very upfront and told me that he had Laminitis, i've never had a horse with it before and i would like to know if its as difficult as everyone says it is. Thanks x

 

[Ranyhyn]

My horse may have had a touch of LGL a few summers ago. For me it's a question of intelligent management, I'll start whipping the weight off him now going into spring,(ideally he shouldn't have put weight on, but he's such a good doer even hay has done it to him!) he needs restricted grazing so it affects where he is liveried etc. There can be no let-up or relaxation around it, you need to be on constant guard.

If you are ok with that, then its no problem, but once a horse gets it, its more prone to getting it I believe.

 

[TGM]

Depends on the horse really - some only get it if allowed to get really fat and/or overfed rich grass or high sugar/cereal diets. Others are very, very prone to it (often as a result of Cushings or insulin resistance) and then it can be very hard to keep them laminitis free even when following all the standard practices such as restricted grazing, soaked hay, low starch/sugar diet, weight control etc.

I would be asking how many times the horse has had laminitis, whether it has been tested for Cushings or insulin resistance, how the horse is managed at the moment, etc.

 

[akashapachamama]

I agree with above, management is key. try to ask about the history of the horse's laminitus and do lots of research about ways of coping with it. there are lots of good websites out there.

I have a pony with it and my horse has insulin resistance. I cope very well but its important to be aware of it at all times... diet is important, low sugar, high fiber, careful of hay/haylage you feed and the environment you keep him is too important too.

I keep mine on a track system most of the year which restricts their grazing but means they can move around alot more than if they were just strip grazed or in a tiny field. I found my horses got quite depressed when just on a strip so if you can keep your new horse somewhere where you could do this I really recommend it.

If the horse is right for you, you'll find a way of keeping it under control.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Agree with that Aka! I wouldn't lose Ed for the world, I just have to be careful with his weight and make sure he's on crap grazing (with minerals and vits added with pink powder)

I try to get him to a stage where I can always feel ribs, but its really hard but prevention is better than cure, I spent an awful summer when he got it, with him in a pen having soaked hay and then restrcited turnout.

 

[amandap]

To be ruthless I wouldn't buy a horse known to be laminitic if I wanted to ride and compete etc. and that was my main pleasure.
It can be very difficult if you are on a livery that doesn't cater for any possible dietry and management needs such as grass free turnout etc.

If you really like the horse then do lots of research about the diet and management and take it from there.

 

[Honey08]

We sold a pony that had had laminitus last year, and we too were very up front about it with anyone who came to view her, because we wanted to make sure that she went to a home that could cope with it and keep her laminitus free. We told the new owners absolutely everything, and she has never had an attack again, touch wood. I'd find out as much as possible from them about what you would need to do to prevent it. You need to know how badly the horse had it, what time of year, and what precautuions they take. I wouldn't be put off taking one on, but would need to know more about it, and would expect the price to be lower as a consequence...