Laminitis Special

LAMINITIS SPECIAL What is LAMINITIS?

Laminitis is a disorder that is associated with overfeeding sugar or water-soluble carbohydrates. It is not a disease, rather the result of several conditions.

It is very specific; an inflammation and, ultimately, breakdown of the lamellar (connective tissue) holding the hoof to the bone of the toe. There are three phases developmental, acute and long term chronic. Obviously the condition is painful, leading to the horse adjusting its stance to alleviate discomfort, which gives the distinctive pose, and also gives rise to abnormal hoof growth. The actual physiology of laminitis at hoof level involves poor circulation, vasoconstriction and pooling of toxins (from disrupted hindgut fermentation), proinflammatory factors, oxygen starvation and the inability of glucose to energise normal hoof metabolism. The major instigators of these factors are endocrinological – obesity, insulin resistance PPID, dietary (too much fructans, sugars, overeating), or mechanical (bruising, wounds). Finally, breed is a factor, with our native breeds being most susceptible. Individually, these causative factors may not trigger laminitis, or just give mild symptoms, but a combination of different aspects can increase the risk and severity. For example, an obese horse on a high starch diet will be more liable to laminitis than a lean animal on a high forage diet. And mechanically, a heavily obese horse with hoof damage can exhibit laminitis where a lighter horse would not. So, how can we reduce the risk of laminitis? There are two main routes; physical and nutritional. Physically, checking hooves for punctures or bruising is an easy task; obviously, but possibly overlooked, is exercise. Regular and continuous exercise helps circulation and keeps the lamellar oxygenated and flushes away pro-inflammatory factors and toxins. Equally important is weight control; an overweight horse puts extra stress on the hoof. Bearing in mind the physical impact of obesity, there are also physiological problems. Fat deposits produce inflammatory markers and interact with insulin production. Insulin has a direct effect on the strength of the lamellar, so reducing insulin production is a positive thing. This also links in with IR, PPID and PSSM – disorders involving carbohydrate dysfunction. And this leads into nutritional regimes to support a beneficial diet. Overfeeding has two outcomes. Absorbing large amounts of sugars (both directly and from digested starch) is accompanied by rising levels of insulin which impacts directly on hooves, but also, through IR, can result in hyperglycemia, which is a factor. If too much is fed, excess sugars and protein can enter the hindgut and upset the microbial population. Fermentation products change and bacterial toxins rise; lactate increases gut permeability and toxins, vasoconstrictors and oxidative molecules are absorbed; all of these are negative components in laminitis. If high levels of fructans (the soluble carbohydrate in spring grass) are fed, the end products further allow malabsorption, leading to laminitis. So, to maintain a horse on a route that does not lead to laminitis, regular hoof checks, exercise and a diet low in sugars, water soluble carbohydrates and protein will ensure good absorptive function, hindgut integrity and reduction in the negative factors that cause damage.

www.british horsefeeds.com

IN THIS ISSUE BRITISH HORSE FEEDS CONSULTANT NUTRITIONIST, DR TOM SHURLOCK, TELLS US HOW WE CAN REDUCE THE LAMINITIS RISK

Speedi-Beet is a highly nutritious micronized (cooked) beet pulp feed which provides an excellent source of digestible fibre and is ideal for equines prone to laminitis as part of a balanced diet. Due to its unique manufacturing process, Speedi-Beet can be soaked and ready to use in just ten minutes and is extremely palatable. It is also starch free and unmolassed, making it up to 95% sugar free. Feeding Speedi-Beet before turnout can help stabilise the ingestion of sugars present in spring grass. Speedi-Beet is also extremely versatile. It can be fed in small amounts to overweight horses as a carrier for a multivitamin and mineral supplement or in larger quantities to a poor doer for weight gain, or working and competition horses that need extra energy. Fibre-Beet is a formulated blend containing all the benefits of Speedi-Beet with added high quality Alfalfa for optimum condition and to provide quality protein for muscle tone and function. Alfalfa can also help with topline or simply help maintain weight and a healthy, shiny coat. Can also be fed to horse and ponies prone to laminitis as part of a balanced diet.

THE LIGHTER DIET

By HorseHage

Many people have the misconception that horses and ponies suffering from laminitis should be fed poor quality hay alone or, worse still, starved of food for long periods of time. Either of these management styles can easily lead to many other serious health issues on top of the existing laminitis.

The digestive system of the horse is designed to process small amounts of feed at very regular intervals, hence the horse is known as a ‘trickle feeder.’ This does not change when a horse is diagnosed as suffering from laminitis. Laminitic horses, or those who have been identified as being at risk, require carefully controlled diets that are low in starch and sugar but contain a high level of fibre. Laminitics that are overweight require a balanced diet that reduces their calorific intake whilst continuing to meet all their daily nutritional requirements. This can often be problematic for horse owners when faced with choosing a suitable diet that meets both of these requirements. The Lighter Diet has been specially devised by HorseHage to supply all the nutrient and fibre requirements of those prone to laminitis, without the need to feed lots of different products which can be expensive and confusing. The diet also allows sufficient quantities to be fed, ensuring that the horse is not left for extensive periods of time without food. It consists of Mollichaff HoofKind Complete, a complete feed in one bag, designed to provide the nutritional support of equines prone to laminitis, to be fed alongside High Fibre HorseHage. HorseHage High Fibre is a dustfree bagged forage suitable for those prone to laminitis. These products are all high in fibre and essential nutrients, but are very low in starch and sugar and carry the HoofKind symbol on the bag to indicate their suitability. Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is a highly palatable mix containing a balanced blend of oat straw, alfalfa, fibre pellets, soya oil, biotin, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and antioxidants and does not contain any cereals. It is low in protein and calories, and provides limited, controlled energy from high quality, digestible fibre and oilbased ingredients, making it an excellent feed for fizzy horses and good doers as well as those prone to laminitis. The high levels of fibre and low levels of starch, sugar and energy, allow it to be fed in surprisingly generous quantities. This means that the daily amount can easily be split into several feeds. Containing a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement, with added biotin, and when fed at the recommended levels to horses at rest or in light work, Mollichaff HoofKind Complete needs no further supplementation other than good quality forage such as HorseHage. It is essential that Mollichaff HoofKind Complete is fed at the recommended levels to ensure that the vitamin and mineral requirements are being met and that the biotin level is sufficient. Mollichaff HoofKind Complete contains therapeutic levels of biotin. Independent scientific studies have found that supplementing an average horse’s diet with 15mg of biotin per day can greatly increase both the growth rate and the hardness of the hoof. Mollichaff HoofKind Complete has been specifically formulated to ensure that these levels are met. For an average 500kg horse, feeding the required 2.5kg per day will

provide the required 15mg of biotin. Mollichaff HoofKind Complete also contains added magnesium, which is often deficient in UK soils and is an important factor in the nutritional support of many metabolic processes in the horse. Deficiency may be associated with glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, both of which are important in the nutritional management of laminitis. Additional natural plant-based antioxidants are also included. These help mop up free radicals and assist in the nutritional support in the prevention of damage that they cause to cells and cell membranes. Free radicals are present within the horse’s system at all times, however, it is at times of illness or disease that their effects are most problematic and they can exacerbate the condition even further. The antioxidants in Mollichaff HoofKind Complete have been specially selected for the nutritional maintenance of the immune system, the respiratory system, the circulatory system and the allimportant hooves and laminae. High Fibre HorseHage is ideal to be fed to those prone to laminitis, due to its high fibre content and low energy and starch levels. It contains a typical sugar level of around 5%, which is considerably lower than a typical hay sample which can contain as much as 10%. This low sugar level is due to the fermentation process that occurs within a bag of HorseHage when it is made. As hay does not undergo any fermentation and is simply cut and dried, the sugar level remains higher than in HorseHage. Current studies have found that the sugar portion of the diet can play an important role in the development of laminitis. HorseHage is dust-free and helps reduce the risk of respiratory issues occurring or alleviate any pre-existing conditions. As laminitics often have to be stabled for long periods of time, they are often subjected to higher levels of spores that can be inhaled or ingested, especially when being fed poor quality or old hay. Feeding HorseHage helps to reduce these levels, whilst meeting their specific nutrient requirements. It is important to weigh all feedstuffs and to ensure that you feed a minimum of 1.5% of the horse’s bodyweight in total food per day (including forage), unless instructed otherwise by your vet or Qualified Equine Nutritionist, even to overweight horses and ponies. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times and remember if you are using a new feed, it should be introduced gradually and quantities increased slowly as required.

www.horsehage.co.uk

FIRST AID FOR LAMINITIS

FOUNDER OF NKC EQUESTRIAN TRAINING, NICOLA KINNARDCOMEDIE BHSAI MSC, ADVISES WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT LAMINITIS

Laminitis is a concern for many horse owners during Springtime, although the condition can occur all year round. It is an acutely painful disease, and it can be very difficult to manage.

Naturally it is best to put measures in place to prevent laminitis occurring, such as identifying and treating underlying hormonal disorders which might be causing the condition, keeping your horse at a healthy weight, and reducing access to grass. Laminitis can affect horses and ponies of all shapes, sizes and ages, but what can you do if your horse has an attack of laminitis? What to do if your horse or pony has laminitis Calling the vet is the first step if you suspect that your horse has laminitis, they will be able to offer pain relief and help you to work out a plan to treat and manage the condition. Understanding of laminitis has improved significantly over the last 5-10 years, and there are increased treatment options. Here are some suggestions to keep your horse comfortable while you wait for the vet.

Remove the horse from the pasture

Laminitis is inflammation within the lamellae inside the hoof, this causes damage and weakens the structure of these cells. In severe cases the weakened lamellae can break, meaning that the pedal bone is no longer supported within the hoof capsule, so it is essential to limit any further damage by reducing movement. The horse or pony should be removed from the field, and stabled immediately. Due to the painful nature of the condition the horse should be allowed to walk at their own pace, or it may be appropriate to travel the horse in a low trailer if the field is a longer distance from the stables. If no stabling is available a small pen will need to be created to reduce movement.

Create a comfortable environment

Stabling the horse will allow it to be more comfortable, and a deep bed of shavings is ideal. The horse needs to be able to dig it’s hooves into the bedding material to provide pain relief, and the bed must be continued right up to the door of the stable. Some owners like to use sand, but this must be dry and not too tightly compacted, and cardboard bedding could also be used. The bedding material just needs to be able to mould around the hoof and provide support to the frog. It is sensible to ensure that the horse has a companion close by, keeping them relaxed and calm.

Provide soaked hay and water within easy reach

The laminitic horse should not be starved, but does need to be fed an appropriate diet which is low in non structural carbohydrates. Your vet will help you devise a suitable diet appropriate for a laminitic, but soaking hay is an effective way to reduce the sugar content. Hay can be soaked in cold water for several hours, but for a more immediate option warm water can be used, soaking hay for 30 minutes to one hour to make it a safer forage choice for the laminitic horse or pony. It is essential that both hay and water are easy for the horse to get to, as limiting movement and reducing any further pain is the priority. Remember laminitis can affect horses and ponies of all ages and sizes, and it is essential to call the vet if you suspect that your horse is suffering with this condition, and of course prevention is always best. If you’d like to learn more about coping with emergency situations and keeping your horse healthy then you can learn more with NKC Equestrian Training’s Horse First Aid Course. www.nkcequestrian.com/ product/virtual-horse-first-aid-course/ Signs of Laminitis Signs of laminitis can vary significantly, but the main clinical sign is pain and lameness. Research has highlighted several sub-clinical signs of laminitis, which if noted in time allow for treatment and management changes before the condition worsens. Horses may change their behaviour in the stable, banking up bedding under their hooves to take pressure off the front of the hoof. The horse may become reluctant to walk across stoney ground, or be uncomfortable on hard ground. The appearance of hoof rings on the outside of the hoof, is likely to indicate changes in the lamellar cells, and these earlier signs may allow a window of time for treatment before the condition develops and becomes increasingly more painful. An increase in the digital pulse, and warm or hot hooves are also common signs of laminitis. In acute cases of laminitis the horse may be lying down, physically unable to move, panting, sweating and exhibiting a classic laminitic stance where the horse is rocked back on its heels, taking more weight on the back legs. Other markers of pain and discomfort may be noted, such as raised heart rate and an increased respiratory rate. Not all of these signs will be noted, and cases of laminitis can be mistaken for colic or other lameness issues.

TACKLING EQUINE OBESITY:

TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, TRUST ARE KEY

Teamwork, communication and trust are key to helping to solve the serious problem of horse, pony and donkey obesity in the UK, was the consensus of the panel of experts at the National Equine Forum’s (NEF) Great Weight Debate (Equine), held recently.

The Great Weight Debate (Equine) was the second of two special interest webinars to be held in advance of the National Equine Forum in March. It was a truly international affair with more than 170 delegates signing in from Australia, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, France, Israel, Norway, Slovakia and United States of America as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland. Equine obesity is a growing problem not just in the UK but around the world. The webinar explored how various sectors of the equestrian industry perceive the challenges faced by those who are struggling to manage their horse’s weight. It included the views of equine vet Lucy Grieve, horse owner Helen Gale, livery yard owner and coach Beth Maloney, nutritionist Liz Bulbrook, competition judge David Ingle and equine welfare officer Penny Baker. The session was chaired by equine vet and nutrition specialist Professor Pat Harris with the support of Dr bespoke approach is needed for another challenge. We see Tamzin Furtado, a social every horse, owner and milder winters and changing scientist with a special interest situation. Some livery owners environmental conditions, and in human behaviour change for may face challenges in changing this can have an impact on animals. management practices and peer what is fed,” said Liz Bulbrook. The panellists shared their views pressure on a yard may prevent David Ingle suggested owners on what they believed to be the people implementing intake should ask themselves, “what blocks for horse owners in restriction measures such as a is fat and what is muscle. recognising obesity and grazing muzzle or restricted Some people may be in denial. addressing the problem. They turnout. If you don’t know you identified the importance of “Peer pressure can be daunting shouldn’t be afraid not to empowering owners and and there can be a lack of know,” he said. working with them to make step confidence that you are doing The language used was also by step changes with the the right thing,” said Beth identified as important; support of a reliable and trusted Maloney. gauging the needs and team including vet, Communication and response of the individual and nutritionist, yard owner and farrier. “...If we are all proactive signposting to asking the owner what they think, would be more effective “Vets are in unique being really reliable advice and than using potentially and privileged position to provide honest with scientific information were inflammatory language - for example choosing the phrase an achievable and ourselves identified as pivotal, ‘fat pad’ rather than the terms effective tailor-made strategy for obesity is not only in helping to identify weight ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’. “If we are all being really individual horses,” neglect...” changes but also to honest with ourselves obesity said Lucy Grieve. “We build horse owners’ is neglect,” said Lucy Grieve. “I must all learn to knowledge and doubt many vets would walk overcome avoidance and confidence. This would build a away from an emaciated horse engage, recognise, accept and clearer understanding of the or an infected wound or a understand, and tailor a calorific value of feeds and of cloudy eye so why are we so solution.” grass and forage, what willing to walk away from Helen Gale continued: “Owners constitutes a balanced diet, the these ticking time bombs need to be able to recognise and importance of regular exercise which are actually a real acknowledge that their horse and weight monitoring, being welfare issue as the animal is has a weight problem and be able to identify the difference potentially at risk of losing motivated to take action. between fat and muscle and their life?” Communication is key. It’s being familiar and comfortable Lucy Grieve added that owners important for others to with the range of weight control should see this as an exciting understand why you are tactics, such as grazing muzzles, challenge and a positive thing following the advice form vets restricted grazing and track they can do with their horses. and other experts and how they systems. “Relish the ability to do can best help.” “Understanding nutritional something good for your There was recognition that a value of forage and feed is horse,” she said.

LATEST RESEARCH:

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CAN INFLUENCE BODY CONDITION

Social behaviour can influence the body condition of horses and ponies living in herds, according to a new study conducted by the University of Bristol and the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Spillers through the Waltham equine studies group. The researchers believe the new findings could help address problems associated with equine obesity.

Horses and ponies are socially-foraging herbivores, who have evolved to live in herd environments within a distinct social hierarchy. “Most owners and keepers know that individual horses and ponies experience different positives and negatives when living in groups,” said Clare Barfoot RNutr, Marketing and Research and Development Director at Spillers. “This is why we tend to choose field companions carefully so that a balanced and harmonious relationship can be maintained within the herd.” Earlier studies have shown that the foraging success of individual animals in social groups may be partly influenced by their social status, but the importance of other social factors on foraging efficiency and body condition has not been explored until now. The study, published in PeerJ, investigated associations between social dominance, body condition and interruptions to foraging behaviour in twenty separate domestic herds of horses and ponies. Social dominance was measured for each individual alongside observations of winter foraging behaviour. During bouts of foraging, the duration and frequency of interruptions were recorded, with total interruption time taken as a proxy measure of foraging efficiency. The cause of each foraging interruption was also classified (vigilance, movement, social displacements given and received, scratching and startle responses). During the 120 hours of observation individual animals spent an average of 76.4% of their time foraging. Vigilance frequency was the individual interruption behaviour most strongly and negatively associated with body condition score: lower body condition was associated with greater vigilance. However, vigilance was not associated with dominance status. The results suggest that certain individuals may be more likely to conduct vigilance, perhaps on behalf of the group or due to being more anxious or alert, regardless of their social status. However, subordinate horses showed more movement whilst foraging and were more likely to receive displacements and be forced to move foraging location. “Neither the more vigilant nor the more frequently disturbed individuals compensated for their reduction in feed (energy) intake by spending more time foraging which probably explains the link with lower body condition. We hope that what we have learnt about the behaviour of individual horses when kept in groups could be included as a relevant factor when addressing health problems associated with equine obesity,” said Clare.

Suggested Products...

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RRP: from £42.