Laminitis- Can someone please explain it

RubysGold

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Ive had a quick google but it passes over my head

Ive bought a 3yo coloured cob, which if Im right, are more prone to laminitis (the vet did mention hes that 'type') so now Im terrified hes going to get it.

Is it the end of the world if they get it? I know it has to be managed but HOW?
What are the symptoms of it, how do I prevent it?

Basically, Keep it simple for me please!
 

juliette

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Prevention is always better than cure, so don't put out on lush pasture. Avoid turn out if it is frosty until the frost has cleared. Use feeds that are approved by the Laminitis Trust. Avoid feeding excessive apples, carrots, mints....... Watch their weight, don't over feed.

Watch for if they seem "footy" or are not as active as usual. I also feel feet daily as heat can be an indicator of the on set.

It's all about managing day to day so that they don't go down with a bout. But if you are unfortunate and they do, get the vet immediately and keep on box rest or on a sand area as advised.

Your farrier should be able to give you lots of helpful advice as well.
 

be positive

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He is only 3 so should not have suffered from it yet, but the vet may have thought he was a little overweight.

Simply it is when the laminae of the foot become inflammed, usually due to too much sugars in the diet, from grass especially in spring autumn or after frost, molassed feeds, or sudden changes to diet or routine.

There are other causes, such as stress and concussion.

Try not to let your pony get fat and do not feed him any more than required to keep him nice and slim.
 

Mayfly

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Laminitis is caused by excess sugar i.e. in new growth grass, so can occur at any time of year, but especially in Spring and Autumn, and after long periods of drought. It can also occur when frozen grass defrosts. This is because the sugar is stored in the base of the grass, but can't 'grow' up the stem because of the cold. When it starts to defrost, the sugar bolts to the top making the grass very rich, even in January/winter months. Your horse doesn't have to be fat to suffer, nor does it have to be a pony.

Laminitis is bad because it causes the lining of the hoof to swell but there's no room cos the hoof is solid, so the swelling goes inwards, causing the delicate bones inside the hoof to move, upsetting the whole balance of the foot. The bigger the swelling, the more the bones move, at worst they come down through the soul of the foot. It is extremely painful and your horse will sit back on his heels and be reluctant to move at all.

Be very wary of new grass and defrosting grass. Safest is to turn out at night, when grass is dormant.

Hope this helps.
 

maggiesmum

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Just a couple of things to add to the above - there really isn't a type - every horse has laminae therefore every horse can develop laminitis.

Don't assume that because feeds are approved by the laminitis trust they're safe, they give their approval to feeds with a sugar/starch level of 10% and over in some cases, we would suggest keeping as far under 10% as you can possibly manage, bear in mind that carrots, apples and likits and some treats are full of sugar.

Also whilst the classic rocked back stance is a associated with laminitis there are many signs to spot before you get there - taking a short step, being not quite right on a turn, being more sensitive over stony ground and even tiny things such as being less willing than normal to walk on. If you spot any of these signs its worth treating them as a possible attack, its always better to be safe than sorry.

Also make sure you know how to take a digital pulse and check it regularly, get to know whats normal for your horse, the same applies to feeling for heat in the feet, get to know whats normal.

If you can especially spring / summer / autumn turn out over night and ring in during the day, the sugar levels are lower at night and lots of lammi prone horses can be managed hat way.
For any advice on diet take a look at barefoot websites or search for it on here, a barefoot friendly diet is a lammi prevention friendly one too. :)
 

Jadey

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Laminitis can be caused by anything that causes blood vessels constricting. This changes means that the laminea seperate, allowing the pedal bone to rotate. Severe laminitis means that the pedal bone creates pain through pressure through the sole of the foot.
There are different types of laminitis; caused by diet, a reaction to drugs and other causes.
Any equine can get laminitis!
 
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