Understanding Laminitis and Strategies for Prevention

Key Findings in Laminitis Research

The study of laminitis has yielded several important discoveries:

• Pasture Association: 66% of laminitis cases are linked to pasture grazing.
• Equine Metabolic Syndrome: There is a rising trend in Equine Metabolic Syndrome, which is often accompanied by laminitis.
• Oxidative Stress: Horses with laminitis have three times the levels of free radicals compared to healthy horses.
• Body Condition: Horses and ponies with a body condition score below 3.7 on a 0-5 modified scale are more susceptible to laminitis and other foot problems.
• Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance significantly increases the risk of laminitis in equines.
• Exercise Benefits: Regular exercise can help protect against insulin resistance.

While there is no cure for laminitis, prevention is the most effective strategy. It is not enough to simply monitor your horse's diet; lifestyle changes are also necessary to reduce the risk of this potentially fatal disease.

Strategies to Minimize Laminitis Risk

To safeguard your horse from laminitis, consider the following guidelines:

1. Caloric Intake: Match your horse's feed to their workload. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and increased laminitis risk.
2. Regular Body Scoring: Monitor your horse's body condition score every two weeks, aiming to keep it below 3.7 during the riskier spring and summer months.
3. Seasonal Weight Management: Horses naturally gain weight in spring and summer and lose it in winter. Adjust their diet accordingly to prevent excessive weight gain.
4. Winter Activity: It's acceptable for a horse's body condition score to drop to 2.5 in winter, but focus on muscle building rather than fat gain.
5. Daily Exercise: Ensure your horse gets at least 30 minutes of active walking each day.
6. Winter Weight Loss: Use the winter season to help your horse shed any excess summer weight.
7. Maintain Bulk: Horses require bulk in their diet to support a healthy digestive system and reduce risks of colic and gastric ulcers.
8. Soak Hay: Reduce caloric intake by soaking hay for 12 hours to lower its sugar content.
9. Balanced Diet: Provide a diet balanced in vitamins, minerals, and protein throughout your horse's life.
10. Monitor Grass Intake: Be aware that some horses can consume up to 5% of their body weight in grass, leading to significant weight gain.

By addressing obesity, ensuring optimal nutrition with high-quality horse feeds, and increasing exercise, you can significantly reduce the risks and incidence of laminitis.

The Importance of Awareness and Action

Despite the prevalence of laminitis, many horse owners may not be fully aware of the intricacies of the disease or the latest research findings. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that certain breeds, such as ponies and Morgans, have a higher predisposition to laminitis, emphasizing the need for breed-specific management strategies 1.

Furthermore, the economic impact of laminitis is significant, with the cost of treatment and loss of use of affected horses being substantial. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, laminitis is not only a leading cause of death in horses but also a major financial burden, with chronic cases requiring ongoing management and care 2.

In conclusion, while laminitis remains a complex and challenging condition, the combination of scientific research, informed management practices, and proactive prevention measures can help mitigate its impact on the equine population. Horse owners and caretakers must stay informed and vigilant to protect their animals from this serious disease.