How to Prevent Your Horse from Getting Laminitis

Understanding Laminitis and Its Causes

Laminitis is a painful and potentially debilitating condition affecting horses and ponies, often caused by inflammation in the hoof. Most cases arise from an underlying hormonal imbalance such as Equine Cushing's Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), so recognising these conditions early is crucial. Testing by your vet can confirm a diagnosis, allowing appropriate management.

If your horse has previously suffered laminitis or has a predisposition, understanding how to prevent further outbreaks is vital to their well-being. Let’s explore practical steps you can take to protect your horse.

Step 1: Manage Confinement and Physical Activity

Stable Rest and Controlled Turnout

During an active laminitic episode, your horse may need to be confined to a stable initially, often for several weeks, following your vet's advice closely. Although your horse might appear comfortable, the hoof remains inflamed and vulnerable to stress.

Once stable rest is advised, turnout should be gradually reintroduced, starting with short, controlled periods such as ten minutes, and increasing over time. Avoid turning your horse out on frosty or hard ground, especially in winter, as this can exacerbate the condition.

Step 2: Feed a Laminitis-Friendly Diet

Focus on Low Sugar and Appropriate Fibre

The diet is critical in managing laminitis risk. Aim to keep hay and feed sugar levels low—recent research recommends a maximum of 10% naturally occurring sugars. Avoid feeds with added sugars, including molassed chaff or sweetened treats.

Soaked hay is beneficial as it reduces sugar content and provides essential fibre needed for gut health. Consider feeds like Fast Fibre, which is suitable for laminitic horses and supports medication administration if needed.

Control Hay Intake and Grazing

Weigh your horse's hay ration to tailor the amount to their body size and needs. Use double or triple slow-feed hay nets to reduce eating speed and prevent boredom during stable confinement.

Restrict grazing during peak sugar times, typically between 6 am and 2 pm, as grass fructosamine levels are highest then. If grazing is possible, strip grazing or limited turnout on poor or mature pasture is advised to limit sugar intake.

Step 3: Work Closely with Your Vet and Farrier

Collaborate closely with your vet regarding medication and ongoing health monitoring, especially for hormonal conditions like Cushing's. Regular blood tests at annual vaccinations can help detect early signs, guiding timely intervention.

Farrier care is vital; correct foot trimming or shoeing reduces strain on affected hooves and supports healing. Coordination between your vet and farrier will lead to better outcomes.

Step 4: Monitor Your Horse's Condition Actively

Learn to feel your horse’s digital pulse—a raised pulse can be an early sign of laminitis. Also, observe subtle changes in gait or willingness to move, as these can indicate discomfort before obvious lameness occurs.

Remember, laminitis may affect one or more feet differently; always check all four hooves regularly.

Step 5: Avoid Risks and Seek Professional Advice

Never administer corticosteroids to horses prone to laminitis unless absolutely necessary and after consulting your vet, as these drugs can trigger episodes.

If you find it challenging to control your horse's weight or diet, professional services from nutritionists or feed companies can assist. However, maintain an objective view regarding product recommendations.

Conclusion

Preventing laminitis requires attentive management of your horse’s diet, weight, exercise, and health conditions, with veterinary and farrier support. Early detection and careful control of sugar intake and pasture access are key to helping your horse stay comfortable and healthy.

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