Laminitis in competition horses

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emelia

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Does a horse being diagnosed with laminitis mean an end to its competitive career? My horse has suspected mild laminitis (yet to do x-rays) and I am concerned this means an end to her SJ career. Does anyone know anything about Laminitis or have a competition horse with laminitis that you mange well enough for them to continuing competing. Feel like im in a very dark place since this diagnosis - can't afford to have my horse written off!!! Help me!!!
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If it is only mild and there is no rotation of the pedal bone with careful management a horse can continue at the same level it was previously. It is just vital that the feeding is monitored to stop further bouts that could further damage the laminae and cause pedal bone rotation.

It is best to talk to your vet and dicuss what the causes were (it is not always caused by feed but sometimes by stress/concussion etc) and work to avoid them. The vet will also be able to advise as to what work you can expect your horse to return to after treatment.
 
One of our horses developed mild laminitus after a bad hoof injury. We only jump him on a surface and we avoid hard ground. I have to admit he doesn't seem to enjoy his jumping as much as he did and we are currently retraining him for dressage. Sorry to be so pessimistic but if they are going to be in pain then I see no reason to continue. Have a talk with your vet and see what they say. Also be guided by what your horse tells you. If his enthusiasm goes then he is telling you something. Good luck
 
My mare has had lammi, she is recovering, she got it last year whilst out on loan, i was talking to farrier about it just last week and asked him what he thought to her continuing doing xcountry and jumping, and he said, as long as she is happy and comfortable doing it then it should be fine
 
It depends how mild it is. One of ours had it very seriously many years ago, it changed the way he moved. Ive been extremely careful to limit concussion to his feet ever since - for example, I never allowed him to jump much, only occassionally on a proper surface and never trotted him along the roads etc. etc.

You'd really need to speak to your vet, it does depend on the pedal bone etc.
 
Hi
Someone i work for has a stallion who had laminitis 2 yrs ago. hes a world class dressage horse and although obviously had time off is back competing at top level. none of the horses are turned out there. hes on bedded on straw, has hay first thing and at night, is on 1 scoop of mix 3 times a day (4 in winter) and is ridden for about half an hour a day. personally wouldnt recommend this routine but it works for him! x
 
Depends on how bad it is and whether caused by concussion. A friend's horse is currently recovering from concussive laminitis having been a racehorse and now a hack/hunter. Survived the racing as long as on soft going, but not the hunting which often means hammering along roads at a fast pace. Horse is now sound and being brought back into work slowly. Can no longer hunt but should be OK for hacking.

One would presume that if ground is relatively soft then hunting would be OK, but of course you can't always guarantee your'e not going to hit a road unless you live on the Moors.

Ponies who've had Lammi due to being obese often return to competitive careers, so see no reason why yours shouldn't. What does your vet say?
 
Thanks everyone. Mare has improved greatly since being on box rest for a week and we are having x-rays done next week to see if any rotation has occured. Vet actually seemed unsure when she came yesterday if she has laminitis as bad as first thought. will let you know how we get on!!
 
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