GSpring Feeding

iven that 1 in 10 horses suffer from laminitis each year, according to The British Horse Society, it is important that horse owners understand how this can be controlled, through management and nutrition.

Firstly, owners should be familiar with the symptoms of laminitis. Symptoms of acute laminitis can be severe and come on quickly. In contrast, a horse with chronic laminitis is likely to show ongoing or relapsing symptoms.

Acute laminitis symptoms

• Reluctance to move or turn

• Visibly lame with shortened or stiffened strides

• Change in behaviour and temperament

• Symptoms can be similar to colic

• Laminitic stance – leaning backwards onto heels to relieve pressure at the front

Chronic laminitis symptoms

• Growth rings on hoof (wider at the heel)

• Abnormalities of the angle and/or shape of the hoof

• Large, cresty neck

• Heat in the hoof wall

Maintaining fibre levels for these horses is important as this helps to keep the digestive system functioning and healthy and provides a barrier to the toxins that can contribute to laminitis. This is why the addition of a low sugar soaked fibre mash can be so beneficial, for example, Speedi-Beet from British Horse Feeds:

• has zero starch and only 5% sugar

• has a prebiotic effect due to the beet fibre

• provides non-heating slow-release energy

• can be used as a fibre alternative or forage replacer

• can be used as a low calorie fibre alternative

• provides hydration, particularly important for those on medication

In addition, supporting the horse’s inflammatory cycles is key, given that laminitis is, in simple terms, damage and inflammation of the tissue between the hoof and the underlying coffin bone. Having been used for human health for thousands of years, more recently, Turmeric has been shown to have a positive effect on horses well being. TurmerAid™ from The Golden Paste Company:

• contains a unique blend of turmeric, linseed and black pepper to ensure maximum absorption and optimum results.

• is naturally low in sugar

• supports the body’s natural inflammation cycles.

• contains ingredients which aid digestion and improve intestinal health

• helps boost the integrity of the natural defence mechanisms

• supports the microflora which naturally occurs in the stomach

It is worth noting that you should speak to your vet about an appropriate management programme for your horse as this should be done on a caseby-case basis. Keeping an eye on not only your horse’s weight, but also their body condition and temperament is important to get a more accurate picture of their overall health. Speaking to an independent nutritionist after following guidance from a vet can also help you with choosing the right feed for your horse.

Download your free laminitis guide from https://mailchi.mp/britishhorsefeeds.co m/free-download-laminitis-guide