Change in weather poses deadly risk to horses
| Change in weather poses deadly risk to horses Leading international horse charity, World Horse Welfare is urging horse and pony owners to be on their guard against the deadly condition laminitis. Laminitis is a crippling and potentially fatal condition of horses' hooves, with excessive food consumption being one of the main triggers. World Horse Welfare Deputy Chief Executive, Tony Tyler says: | |
The unusually warm temperatures coupled with the long awaited rainfall especially in the south east of the country are likely to cause the grass to grow far more than is usual for this time of the year. These conditions will bring a dramatically increased risk of laminitis."
Laminitis should be always considered as a veterinary emergency. If you suspect your horse or pony may have laminitis, call your vet immediately. For advice on how to prevent an attack, call the World Horse Welfare Advice Line on 01953 497238 or visit www.worldhorsewelfare.org
Further information from Voices for Horses
Horses, ponies and donkeys can all suffer from laminitis but native ponies, cobs, good doers and overweight animals are often more susceptible.
The most common cause is an overload of rapidly fermentable carbohydrate from either sugars and fructan found in grass or starch found in cereals and plants. Also recent research has revealed that the long-term feeding of sugar and starch-based feeds may result in insulin resistance, which can play a major role in the development of the condition.
The following guidelines to help reduce the risk of laminitis:
- Restrict your horse's time at pasture when the grass is actively growing particularly during the spring and autumn.
- Never starve a laminitic as this can lead to further serious metabolic conditions.
- Weigh your horse or pony regularly to maintain a moderate body condition.
- Avoid cereals and high cereal concentrates such as coarse mixes.
| Related Information |
| Remember: laminitis can be triggered in the winter conditions too |
| The Laminitis Trust |
| Find Books on Laminitis |
Added on: 10/10/09.
Email this article to a friend or shareVoices for Horses offers news, articles and videos from third party providers unless otherwise stated. We do not endorse the views expressed or content and make it available to you only as a service. All news items, articles and videos are copyright of the authors, film makers and original publications.
