27/03/2025
LAMINITIS
Following on from our post earlier this week, it is a very important time of year for our laminitis prone patients. 🐴
A diagnosis of laminitis is usually made based on the history, signalment and a clinical examination.
Approximately 90% of laminitis cases have an underlying metabolic condition.
• The two most common conditions are Cushing’s (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Disease, PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
• These are most commonly diagnosed with blood tests and have different treatment and management regimes.
The correct diet and restricted grazing are key!
• We can help you work out the correct amount of soaked hay from body weight.
• Hard feed should be kept to a minimum.
• A low calorie balancer can be fed to ensure your horse is not lacking any vitamins and minerals.
• Grazing should be restricted to ensure they do not have large access to rich grass.
We will often recommend foot x-rays are taken to assess whether there has been any unwanted changes to the bony column (e.g. pedal bone rotation) - see the picture below! X-rays are also an important part of assessing foot balance and assisting farriers in their trimming and shoeing.
⭐🐴All healthy club horse members get 15% off foot balance x-rays!
We are always happy to come out and make an assessment of your horse, pony or donkey going into spring and help you develop an appropriate plan - this can include dietary advice, exercise plan, metabolic blood testing, body condition scoring and weigh tape!
We deliver excellence for the health, welfare and performance of our team, clients and patients. We provide high quality veterinary care for your horses.
