Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2010 | Page 104

the rider

Island Life - April/May 2010

Look out for laminitis...

Laminitis can be a crippling disease resulting in
distress for horses, ponies and their owners
Look out for Laminitis
Laminitis is second only to pus in the foot
as the most common form of lameness
in this country today. Research shows
that nearly every week a horse, pony
or donkey in the UK dies as a result of
laminitis.

Who Is at Risk?
Many people still associate laminitis with
fat little ponies going lame after gorging
on lush spring grass. The truth is, laminitis
is a serious and very painful condition
that can affect any type of horse, pony or
donkey any time of the year. The disease

has no respect for the breed, age, type or
value of the animal.

Early Warning signs
The causes of laminitis are still under
investigation but there are numerous
factors which appear to be involved in
triggering an attack. Animals suffering
from laminitis show an increased
strength in their digital pulses and will
characteristically stand on their heels in
order to take the weight off their painful
toes. It is important to note that by the
time the animal is showing the classical
laminitis stance, damage has already

Left: A horse that
has a muzzle to
restrict grazing.
Right: Lamininitis is
particulary prevalent
in ponies feeding on
rich spring grass.
Right bottom: Obese
Shetland pony.

occurred to the laminae and action should
be taken long before this point. Other
signs may include:
• Reluctance to move, lying down
• Altered character to the digital pulses
• Lameness, stiffness, foot sore, general
xxchange in gait
• Shifting of weight, restlessness
• Sweating and blowing, may appear
xxcolicky
• Pus in the foot

Act Quickly
Call the vet straight away if laminitis
is suspected. Laminitis should always
be treated as an emergency in order to
prevent the cascade of metabolic events
that can result in permanent and severe
damage to the horses foot. Even for those
horses treated quickly enough, the animal
may face a long and painful period of
rehabilit F