Equine welfare charities and horse health experts across the UK are warning owners of the increased risk of laminitis this autumn.
Heavy rainfall combined with warm weather could prove dangerous to horses and ponies, particularly those prone to laminitis. Lush grass is appearing in paddocks which were scorched and bare just weeks ago, prompting organisations to remind equestrians to be vigilant.
World Horse Welfare has been seeing more cases of autumn laminitis than usual this time of year, and advised owners to look out for several warning signs. These included strong or bounding digital pulses at the back of the fetlock and excessive heat in the feet, as well as a reluctance to walk forward and difficulty making a tight turn.
Owners should also watch for horses shifting their weight from foot to foot when at rest as well as lameness, stiffness, or a short, stilted or pottery walk, especially on hard ground.
Cinder Hill Equine Clinic echoed World Horse Welfare’s concerns and urged owners to keep their horses’ weight in check to reduce their risk of suffering from laminitis.
In addition to maintaining a healthy weight and body condition score, overweight or at risk equines could benefit from wearing a grazing muzzle or being put on restricted turnout.
They also advised soaking hay for at least eight hours to lower sugar content and avoiding high-sugar or starch feeds. Exercise, if appropriate and safe, can also mitigate a horse’s chances of suffering from the painful condition.
Horses and ponies with laminitis can display one or more signs, so if your horse is showing any of the early symptoms, contact your vet for advice. Your vet is the best person to examine your horse, provide treatment and advise on the necessary management changes to assist them.
Severe laminitis is an emergency and ongoing disease can result in painful long-term consequences. Early diagnosis and treatment as soon as the signs of laminitis are recognised will not only relieve the pain, but also reduce the risk of long-term damage.
Main image by Shutterstock
