What Is Laminitis In Ponies

Once a horse has had an episode of laminitis they are particularly susceptible to future episodes.

What is laminitis in ponies. Lameness develops rapidly and animals shift their weight from one foot to another. One of the more common causes current theory states citation needed that if a horse is given grain in excess or eats grass under stress and has accumulated excess nonstructural carbohydrates sugars starch or fructan it may be unable. Although the front feet are most commonly affected all four feet may be involved. Laminitis commonly known as founder is a painful disease that causes severe lameness in horses.

The very mildest sub clinical nutritionally triggered cases can often be nipped in the bud by changes in management notably feeding. These causes can be grouped into broad categories. Laminitis is an extremely painful condition affecting 1 in 10 horses ponies every year 1 and can cause permanent damage to the hooves. Laminitis is a crippling condition which can be fatal in severe cases.

Horse owners should not be tempted to stand horses or ponies suffering from laminitis in a stream or to cold hose their hooves. The stance of the horse with acute laminitis is quite typical. It can often cause lameness in two or all four feet at one time but it is preventable. Most horses and ponies can recover from laminitis but the extent of their recovery depends on many factors including how severe the problem was when it was first spotted and how soon treatment commences.

Digestive upsets due to grain overload such as excess grain fruit or snacks or abrupt changes in diet. Laminitis has multiple causes some of which commonly occur together. Laminitis the separation or failure of laminae which connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone within can cause permanent structural changes in a horse s foot leading to repeated bouts of. It was once associated primarily with overweight ponies but it can affect any age or size of horse.

Equine laminitis is the acute form that should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate attention. Although it may initially make the animal more comfortable prolonged cold will make the condition worse. Although laminitis occurs in the feet the underlying cause is often a disturbance elsewhere in the horse s body. Laminitis can be managed but not cured which is why prevention is so important.

Understand what laminitis is.