Is it possible to have lamintis for 2 weeks?

[Samantha008]

A horse im looking to loan is said to have had laminitis for 2 weeks this summer, he has one deep ridge around his hoof about half way down?

Can horses be ridden whilst they have a ring? does the ridge mean the bone became detatched or does it mean something else completely?
Thanks

 

[kittykatcat]

It's completely possible for a horse to have lami for 2 weeks! The 'rings' around a hoof indicate dietary or metabolic changes in the horse - normally which go hand in hand with laminitis.

If the horse is sound there is no reason why he shouldnt be ridden. Just be mindful that he will always be susceptible to lamintis and you may have to have a really strict diet and management regime.

 

[OWLIE185]

I would strongly recommend getting the front feet x rayed to determine if there has been any rotation or sinking of the pedal bone. Without this you will be unable to detremine ehat damage has been caused by the laminitis.

 

[missyme10]

My daughters pony is prone to laminitus.

We only bought her in the spring, so had 2 bouts of lami for about 2 weeks each whilst we figured out what she could and couldn't cope with diet wise, turn out etc.

She is absolutely sound now and I expect her to remain this way, it all about good management. Small bare paddocks in the spring and summer are usually essential, sometimes night time turnout only.

If I owned the pony then yes I agree I'd have feet x-rayed to find out extent of the damage, but as you are looking to loan this pony, the emphasis is on the owner.

If the pony appears sound and is the right pony for you, I wouldn't be put off, just be prepared to act quickly when the spring grass comes through and monitor the pony daily.
If a pony who gets laminitus is noticed very quickly, ie. within hours or same day and you get them on box rest on very limited hay, nearly all are no longer lame within 10 days or so - that doesn't mean fit to ride, just that they are no longer in pain. They then require further time off for their feet to recover.

Prevention is better than cure, I know loads of ponies who are prone but haven't had a lami bout in years - all down to a knowledgeable owner and good management x