Laminitis is the second biggest killer of horses after colic and as a mostly preventable condition, it’s vital we know what laminitis is, how it can be prevented, and what to do if our horse or pony has it.
It’s important to seek veterinary attention for any equine suspected of suffering from laminitis, but equally important to also consider alternatives to traditional ways of treatment.
Treatment and Rehab
Huge advances are being made in the barefoot rehabilitation of ‘foundered’ horses and backed up by scientific research by Auburn University in the USA.
Their rehabilitation method emphasized a mineral-balanced, low non-structural carbohydrate diet; daily exercise; hoof trimming that minimized hoof wall loading; and sole protection in the form of rubber hoof boots and/or hoof casts.
Prevention
Of course, prevention is better than cure and this can be achieved by giving your horse as natural a lifestyle as possible, the correct nutrition, and plenty of movement along with barefoot hoof care.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to how to understand, prevent or cure laminitis, this book has easily understood advice.
It offers practical solutions and simple preventive measures. The emphasis is on the very important role you play as the horse’s owner.
The following articles are just a small sample of information and advice from personal experiences.
Laminitis Articles
How to Avoid Laminitis - The two most dangerous times for laminitis are in the spring and autumn, depending on where you live. Cooler climates and high altitudes can increase the potential for laminitis as the day and night temperatures fluctuate, along with the amount of sunlight and daylight hours. For example, if you live in the southern states of Australia, northern […]
An idea for padding pony hooves - With founder in ponies being a real problem at this time of year, especially now we’ve had so much rain and spring growth, there will be many sore ponies out there needing some help to be comfortable so they can keep moving. I recently had to help pad a little Shetland pony who could hardly […]
What’s the truth about laminitis? - by Annemaree Woodward © When one of my donkeys, Sergeant Pepper, succumbed to laminitis in the spring of 2006, I was shocked. Although I’ve kept donkeys for 30 years, I’d always been told donkeys don’t get laminitis – fallacy number one. I’ve spent time with horses since my early childhood. The Welsh pony that taught […]
Using homeopathic’s to help acute laminitis – Pippin’s story by Kaya. - I went away for a few days to visit a friend, so had to ‘leave’ my ponies in the paddock 24/7. Normally they are on ‘their’ PP Track 18 hours per day and 6 hours in the Candy Shop (green grass), to limit their green grass intake. I had no one to look after them, […]
Laminitis Recovery - Amazing Founder Rehabilitation through hoof trimming and wholistic care. Most vets and horse owners consider a severe case of laminitis to be a death sentence. Some think it’s too much hard work and expense for them and too much pain for the horse or pony to endure. But why should we give up on those […] All Equines Are Prone To Laminitis - There are only two kinds of horses…. those that have laminitis and those that could someday get it! So what is laminitis and how do horses get it? Put simply, laminitis is the inflammation of the sensitive laminar corium in the hoof, causing a breakdown of the bond between the hoof wall and the coffin […]
Native Grasses for Horses - I was very excited to see an Australian native grass seed company that has several pasture mixes for horses to help prevent laminitis. Most pasture seed sold at your local produce store is designed for food production so beef, lamb, and dairy animals make the end product faster. These predominantly ryegrass and clover mixes are […]