The most common cause of Laminitis is when a horse experiences a carbohydrate overload. This means that the digestive tract is trying to handle an excessive or sudden increase in sugary grass, grain or some other high sugar/starch content, horse feed. This impacts the horse’s bacteria levels and its PH, allowing toxins to spill out into the bloodstream. And, this can diminish blood flow and circulation to the hoof. Given the crisis that laminitis can create, in relationship to horse health, the first line of attack in dealing with laminitis, is a dedicated, prevention based, feeding and exercise, regime.
Though the catalyst for most equine laminitis is poor horse nutrition, there are, of course, other causes. The beloved 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, Barbaro, whose shattered leg ended his career, during the Preakness, fell prey to laminitis as a direct result of his injuries. A horse naturally places 60% of his weight onto his front legs, and having to increase that ratio while trying to shift weight off a damaged leg, almost always leads to laminitis. Horses spend the majority of their lives standing, ready to take-off whenever danger lurks. Since they can’t just lay down for long periods of recuperation, they instinctively throw more weight onto their healthy legs. This causes additional stress, leading to inflammation of the hoof’s laminae and, laminitis. Horses that don’t get treated immediately can ultimately develop a condition called founder, where they become extremely crippled and may never recover. By understanding and correcting your equine feed choices, you can dramatically improve your horse’s chances of avoiding laminitis, altogether.
Start by being very selective about where your horse is pastured. Avoid rich grasses, like high sugar grasses that crop up in Spring & Autumn. These grasses have the high-soluble carbohydrates that can prompt the carbohydrate overload, and cascading sequence of problems, mentioned above. Keep tack rooms and feed-bins where horse treats, specialty feeds and grains are stored, super secure.
Given the opportunity, there are very few horses who won’t stuff themselves on tasty, sweet feeds. And, it takes only one episode of a horse finding its way into the grain room for disaster to strike. Also, big on the list of things to regulate, is your horse’s water. Never let your horse’s water get too hot or too cold. Horses will avoid extreme temperatures for as long as possible and then, compelled by extreme thirst, suddenly gulp down gallons of excessively hot or cold water. Both equine colic and laminitis can be caused by this, so, eliminating the risk should be top priority.
With horse weight, the line between looking good and being a butterball can be pretty fine. But, in the war on laminitis, it’s important that your horse never become obese. Should your horse start looking chubby, consult with your veterinarian about the best combination of horse supplements, horse grain and hay to get your horse’s weight down. Create a plan based on the horse products your vet recommends and stay on-track.
Diarrhea in horses, metritis (a condition where the uterine lining becomes inflamed,) and peritonitis (where the thin tissue lining the abdominal walls becomes irritated or inflamed,) can stimulate the release of toxins into a horse’s bloodstream, setting the stage for laminitis. Get your vet on the phone ASAP should any of these conditions, surface.
Cart & driving horses are especially susceptible to laminitis brought on by excessive surface shock. If you have to take your horse on hard trails or pavement, don’t go faster than the walk and discuss specialty pads with your shoer. And, never let your horse’s feet grow overly long. Long hooves can trigger laminitis, due to the increased angle and pressure.
Last, but not least, stress can be a precursor to equine laminitis. Never tolerate a barn where the grooms or trainers are unkind or unnecessarily macho with your horse. Horses are sensitive beings.
If you have your horse hauled, you may want to do a special review of your hauler’s trailer. Is the floor cushioned? How much racket does the trailer make when you jump up and down, inside? (Make sure there are no horses around, or on-board, when you do this.) This is what your horses are hearing as they’re being hauled. Check out other trailer manufacturers and see if there are brands better cushioned and reinforced to keep travel noise at a minimum. Horses can suffer tremendous stress when trailers are improperly cushioned or reinforced against noise.
Pain killers and equine ulcer suppression medicines can dramatically impair a horse’s production of digestion enzymes, potentially triggering weaker guts and elevated blood toxin levels. This can trigger decreased blood flow, setting the stage for a potential bout of laminitis.
Understanding How Equine Nutrition And Laminitis Affect One Another.
Ever wondered why some people seem to starve their horses who are suffering from laminitis? It’s a common misconception that this is the proper way to handle the problem. However, not only isn’t this right, but it can actually make the problem worse. Understanding how to feed for horses once they’ve been diagnosed with serious hoof issues isn’t that complicated, but, you’ll have to faithfully monitor the levels of high forage feeds, vitamins and minerals your horse gets. Calcium levels can be stabilized by adding Alfalfa Hay or Straw Chaff to the mix.
Bottom line, all horses should be kept on low carbohydrate, high-fiber diets, enhanced with equine supplements. Most older horses should probably be fed senior horse feeds. To best determine the nutritional supplements necessary for your horse’s specific needs, be sure to consult with your vet. He’ll tell you that feeding horses for the best results doesn’t necessarily come down to what sounds the best. Ask your vet about every horse product you’re considering, right down to the horse treats and supplements for horses you’re considering.
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