Laminitis in New Zealand
Article from 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth' - October 2008
With the arrival of the spring season, many horses and ponies are now in full work. However, for those horses that are not in full work or only periodic work, the increase in spring pasture can signal an increased risk of laminitis.
Laminitis is an insidious disease more prevalent with the flush of spring pasture and is easily recognised by the unusual stance of affected horses. Usually, the forelegs are stretched out in front to take the weight off and distribute the horse's weight over the hind legs.
Laminitis most often affects both front feet simultaneously. When only one forefoot is affected, it is usually caused by excessive load-bearing due to injury of the opposite leg. It occurs much less frequently in the hind feet without involvement of the front feet.
There are several causes of laminitis, including gorging on starch-rich grains, retained foetal membranes in post-foaling mares, grazing unlimited amounts of lush pasture, and severe gut disorders resulting in acute diarrhoea. Two relatively new causes of laminitis that have come to the forefront of recent research are ingestion of fructans and obesity.
Well-tended pasture can fulfil the nutritional requirements of many horses, and is therefore often the foundation of sound feeding programmes. Several species of sugar-rich grasses are planted in hopes of increasing production in cattle and sheep. Little thought is given to the effects these grasses may have on horses. These temperate grasses frequently contain large amounts of water soluble carbohydrates, such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. In addition, these plants are rich in fructans, which are simple chains of fructose and glucose molecules.
Last month, we discussed managing grass intake. We will explore this further and consider how we balance the horse's diet. It is important to aim for a low starch, high fat, high fibre diet. If your horse is grazing rich pasture, it may be wise to remove the horse from lush pasture and provide bland meadow hay and a well balanced, complete feed, such as Lite Brew, Low GI Sport or Equi-Jewel if additional energy is required. If it is not possible to remove your horse from pasture altogether, reducing pasture in take between early morning and midday will help to reduce the fructans ingested.
The other aspect to assist with prevention of laminitis is consistent hoof care. Work with your farrier to ensure your horse's or pony's hooves are correctly balanced when shod, as this will assist to prevent laminitis occurring in susceptible horses. If your horse is unshod, then it is equally important that your horse continues to have regular trims and the hooves balanced to ensure even weight distribution.
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