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 feeds. 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 lie 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 that 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.
Picking out a new horse feed is not like picking out a hat. It takes more than pretty packaging to insure that your horse is getting the right kind of horse nutrition. Consult with your barn manager, trainer and veterinarian before making major switches in horse supplement or equine feed products. The bottom line is horse health is both common sense and an art, and the more you know, the better for your horse.
For horses on ulcer prevention or pain killing medications, monitoring horse's gut flora is critical. These medications can impact her intestinal enzymes leaving her vulnerable to digestive issues. This can lead to blood toxin overloads and potential bouts of laminitis.
Feeding Horses Correctly, Post Laminitis.
Many folks feel that you feed for horses with laminitis by almost starving them. This is certainly not the regime recommended by many equine dietary experts. It's best to use a balanced combination of minerals, forage feeds, vitamins and, in some cases, Alfalfa Hay or Straw Chaff. The Alfalfa Hay can help keep your horse's calcium levels at the recommended levels.
Whether your horse is used for pleasure, showing or is currently recuperating from a laminitis attack, a high fiber, low carbohydrate diet, balanced with equine supplements, is probably the best place to start. Some older horses do require senior horse feed, as well. Study up on horse feed choices and consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your horse. Ask him about everything down to the horse treats you use. Feeding horses, whether they're healthy or not, is a balancing act and it's best to get help from the experts. With so many specialty feeds and supplements for horses, on the market, trying to pick the best horse products by yourself, could be overwhelming.