{"id":6170,"date":"2016-09-04T16:39:29","date_gmt":"2016-09-04T06:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=6170"},"modified":"2026-10-02T16:03:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T06:03:46","slug":"how-to-avoid-laminitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalhorseworld.com\/stage\/how-to-avoid-laminitis\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Laminitis"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Sub
Hoof\u00a0rings often indicate many regular events such as exposure to frosted grass, that results in sub-clinical laminitis.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The two most dangerous times for laminitis are in the spring and autumn, depending on where you live.<\/p>\n

Cooler climates and high altitudes can increase the potential for laminitis\u00a0as the day and night temperatures fluctuate,\u00a0along with the amount of sunlight and daylight hours.<\/p>\n

For example, if you live in the southern states of Australia, northern states of the USA, Canada, the UK and Europe, you will have more issues with laminitis than tropical zones closer to the equator.<\/p>\n

This is not only because the night time temperatures often drop below 5 degrees celsius during spring and autumn (meaning no grass sugar\/carb reduction), but the type of grasses (mainly C3) tend to store more sugars and starch than the C4 grasses of more temperate zones.<\/p>\n

With higher sugar and starch levels and more grass available in spring, the overall risk of laminitis increases.<\/p>\n

So, what can you do to avoid laminitis?<\/h4>\n
\"Laminitis<\/a>
The most comprehensive resource for preventing and dealing with Laminitis. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Educate yourself<\/strong> – there are many good resources that explain what laminitis is, how to recognize it, and how to treat it.
\nFrom handy, easy to read booklets like Founder Facts<\/a> to in-depth manuals like Laminitis: Understanding, Cure, Prevention, it’s helpful to have something on hand to refer to at all times.
\nBoth these resources are among the easiest I’ve found to read and learn from, but there are many more good books written by scientists and hoof care professionals that have valuable information.<\/p>\n

Know the <\/strong>risk factors<\/strong> and signs of sub-clinical laminitis – and take action before the horse progresses into acute laminitis. Waiting until you see the classical ‘laminitis stance’ is going to be very painful for your horse and result in expensive vet\/hoof care bills.
\nResearch has found that fewer than half of horses exhibit a ‘founder stance’\u00a0so it’s not a reliable indicator.<\/p>\n

Monitor your horse regularly<\/strong> – sometimes it’s hard to see the subtle changes so learn how to body condition score.
\nUse a weight tape and get another perspective from an experienced friend or equine health professional such as your bodyworker, hoof care provider or vet.
\nLearn to take the digital pulse – here’s how:
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