Laminitis - The tell tale signs

[BAILEY67]

Hi All,

I have had my horse for a short time now and summer turnout starts tomorrow - what are the tell tale signs of Lammie what should i be checking for etc

Thanks

 

[touchstone]

The first time mine developed laminitis even the vet didn't recognise it as such. Luckily I treated it as if it was anyway and only when the lameness, which was very very mild and intermittent, didn't clear up did x-rays confirm laminitis, so it can be very subtle!

The signs I watch for now are any reluctance over hard/stony ground, an increased digital pulse, any sign of a hard cresty neck developing, increased sensitivity to touch and a change in demeanour (mine becomes a bit switched off or spaced out.)

Adding magnesium and a probiotic to the diet might helkp if your horse is going onto rich grazing, but if you are really worried and your horse is at risk I'd consider muzzling or bringing in and feeding soaked hay for part of the day.

 

[peaceandquiet1]

The first time mine developed laminitis even the vet didn't recognise it as such. Luckily I treated it as if it was anyway and only when the lameness, which was very very mild and intermittent, didn't clear up did x-rays confirm laminitis, so it can be very subtle!

The signs I watch for now are any reluctance over hard/stony ground, an increased digital pulse, any sign of a hard cresty neck developing, increased sensitivity to touch and a change in demeanour (mine becomes a bit switched off or spaced out.)

Adding magnesium and a probiotic to the diet might helkp if your horse is going onto rich grazing, but if you are really worried and your horse is at risk I'd consider muzzling or bringing in and feeding soaked hay for part of the day.

Agree with the above and would add a "rocked back" stance or way of moving which also can be subtle initially. Any reluctance to move. Difficulty when turning. The digital pulse will be bounding.

 

[BAILEY67]

Thank you both for your responses - i think that muzzling may have to be the way, with working 9-5 i can't go back during the day and bring him back in.

I will look out for those especially the pulse

Thanks

 

[Dawng]

If you get to know your horse well you will know if there is something amiss. I just went out one day and there was a reluntance to move - took her in immediately and called the vet - my quick reaction saved her from any longterm damage. Feel for heat in the hooves and a digital pulse - although that is easier said than done. I had my mare in all day and only out at night and she still got it - althought it was exception conditions at the time. She is now on an all year diet and her haynets etc are weighed all year round and haven't had an episode since - cross fingers.