By: Aprylsnow
Cause and Prevention
Many things can trigger the onset of Laminitis. However, underlying issues and multiple factors can cause onset. This list is not complete and continued research may reveal other causes as well. It is always important to consult with your veterinarian regarding health issues promptly. Even with the best care some horse still develop Laminitis. It is important to understand causes and possible measures of prevention in the care of horses. I have provided this list only as a guide and is not intended to circumvent proper veterinary care.
Cause: Overloading on carbohydrates. This can come from consumption of excessive amounts of grain or the high sugar content in spring grasses.
Prevention: Limit intake of grains high in sugars and all grains for that matter. Every horse is unique and require individualized feeding regiments Keep horses off lush spring grass and always introduce feed stuffs gradually.
Cause: Insulin resistance. These horses tend to be obese and carry excess fat on the necks, shoulders, above eyes and around the tail head. Weight loss programs do not eliminate these fatty patches.
Prevention: Identify signs as mentioned above and consult your veterinarian for care and treatment, since there may be other health factors/diseases involved with individual cases of obesity.
Cause: Build up of Nitrogen (Nitrates) found in clover, weeds and commercial fertilizers.
Prevention: Do not use fertilizers with nitrates on pastures being used. Be sure any fertilizer used is safe for horses and follow instructions. Best prevention is pasture rotation out of fertilized pastures into those without. Do not pasture in areas with excessive clover or weed growth. Provide a good horse pasture mix to help prevent horses from testing weeds.
Cause: Colic and untreated infections, which release endotoxins.
Prevention: Practice clean horse keeping and address infection by treating promptly. While colic is another subject and most horse owners try their best to prevent this ailment, sometimes it is not preventable. Closely observe your horse regularly and treat promptly when signs of colic present themselves.
Cause: Diseases, such as Cushing's Syndrome.
Prevention: While there is no treatment or cure for this disease, prompt identification and proper maintenance may help reduce the risk of Laminitis onset.
Cause: Retained placenta.
Prevention: Always be sure the placenta has been delivered after birth and check for tears or missing pieces that may still be in the mare. Even small pieces left inside may cause infections.
Cause: Exercise on hard surfaces, such as cement, pavement and very hard packed surfaces, this causes concussion to the hoof.
Prevention: Always rake packed surfaces, so there is a soft layer on top. Use proper horse footwear on cement or pavement and only walk the horse, never use faster gaits as this causes more concussion to the hoof.
Cause: When an injury occurs in one leg, the other healthy weight bearing legs become susceptible to Laminitis.
Prevention: Provide deep bedding and rest. Use bandages for healthy leg support and consult your veterinarian for additional therapy of healthy legs.
Cause: Excessive intake of cold water, especially after exercise.
Prevention: After exercise limit water intake and do not provide cold water. Generally speaking tepid water is less shocking to the horse's system.
If your horse has been exposed to any causes take precautions and monitor the horse carefully. Contact your veterinarian for consult as it is of utmost importance to catch the disease in very early stages.
I hope this article helps you to better understand some of the reasons why our beloved horses become inflicted with this disease.
(Part 3 coming soon.)
