Info Required on Laminitis Snow Nitrogen

[PeterNatt]

Someone was telling me that their vet stated that their ponies Laminitis was caused by eating snow which had Nitrogen in it. Can you kindly explain the theory behind this. Thanks. Peter Natt

 

[cm2581]

I suppose if the land was spread with a nitrogen based fertiliser immediately prior to snow falling on the ground then the snow may have contained nitrogen which could have been injested and caused a toxic laminitis?

 

[Cuffey]

Someone was telling me that their vet stated that their ponies Laminitis was caused by eating snow which had Nitrogen in it. Can you kindly explain the theory behind this. Thanks. Peter Natt

That is a ''new theory'' that I have never heard of
More likely the cold had narrowed the blood vessels-- reduced the blood flow through the feet.
Ponies with Cushings type syndrome often need leg warmers to keep blood flowing and prevent laminitis in very cold weather.
One Shetland Pony Sanctuary puts ''Ugg'' type boots on her ponies when the snow is lying.