Laminitis in horses and ponies

Sometimes, no developmental phase can be recognised, and the horse or pony is discovered in the acute phase of laminitis with no apparent ill health or inciting problem occurring beforehand.

This appears to be the case particularly with grass founder (laminitis resulting from the ingestion of lush pasture). The severity of the condition and the response to therapy vary unpredictably between horses and this makes a rational treatment strategy, with an accurate prognosis, difficult to formulate.

Severe damage to the internal anatomy of the hoof can occur within the space of a few hours and the severity and extent of this initial damage is the single most important factor influencing the final outcome.

Scientific understanding of laminitis is incomplete, and the horse owner often becomes committed to the symptomatic treatment of a chronic condition that inexorably deteriorates.

This lack of understanding of the processes involved is frustrating to the horse owner and veterinarian alike, and of little use to the horse.

We always recommend calling your vet first as you should never take a risk.A very simple diet should be fed, this should include a feed such as Hi Form Complete Feeds AlphaFibre which would be suitable as it is very low in NSC and starch, Alfalfa also increases the PH levels in the gut. You should not feed any other types of feed apart from the recommended formulas and hay, which can be fed dry or soaked; our preference is dry and ideally in a slow-feeder hay net. Feeding this type of feed also encourages normal chewing and mastication of feed and this will enhance normal production of saliva. For a 500kg horse, the daily rate is only 500-800g per day, as generally horses with Laminitis carry excess weight. If your horse is in lighter condition please contact us for advise.

Treatment Protocol: We have had great success managing Laminitis with the ProflamAid Plus, BioEquus, EquiMetaBalance and EquiGesic Plus if required; the following recommendations must be adhered to.

ProflamAid Plus: 2 large level scoops (20g) twice daily until such time as there has been a dramatic improvement at this time please contact us for further advice. This can take anywhere between 4 days and 8 weeks.

EquiMetaBalance: 2 large rounded scoops 30g daily initially, and this may need to be increased.

BioEquus: 2 spoons per day (8g). Horses and Ponies suffer great stress during laminitic episodes and this may lead to digestive upsets and ulcers.

If anti-inflammatory drugs have been used, then the use of the BioEquus will be extremely helpful.

EquiGesic Plus: 1 small scoop daily for strong pain relief and antioxidant benefits. The isolated Curcuma Longa extract contained in this formula has a high absorption rate.

It is recommended to contact our office for further advice as each case will be different. Please phone 03 97756422 or email enq@hiform.com.au

Please note: should the condition become more severe, please contact your vet immediately.