01/09/2025
We are all relieved to see the rain but don't forget with this rain and warm temperatures bring the increased risk of laminitis! The grass will be growing and have higher sugar levels.
Causes of laminitis -
* Metabolic factors - Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Pituitary Pars Disease (PPID) can lead to high insulin levels which triggers laminitis - this can be easily tested with a simple blood test so please contact the office for more on this.
* Dietary factors - high sugars in feed and grass can increase the risk.
* Overload - from injury on one leg can lead to overloading weight onto the other leg.
* Toxins.
How to reduce risks -
* Manage grazing - turning out at night when the sugar levels in grass are less, strip grazing, restricting turnout.
* Dietary - look at how much sugar/starch you are feeding. Weigh the amount of hay you're feeding, feed in small hole haynets, thoroughly soak, mix hay and straw together to reduce calories but don't starve else you could cause gastric ulcers.
* Monitor weight.
Signs -
* Reluctance to move
* Shortened or stiff gait
* Difficulty turning
* May be lying down more
* Heat in hooves
* Strong/ bounding pulses
* Laminitic rings
* Rocked back stance
If you have any concerns or questions please call the office to speak with one of the vets or arrange an appointment for a blood test if you suspect EMS or PPID
(Pictures courtesy of The British Horse Society & World Horse Welfare)
