How do you manage a laminitic horse?

As previously stated, NSAIDs are the most commonly used analgesics in horses with laminitis. Phenylbutazone is the most efficacious drug for controlling orthopedic pain in horses and the most common analgesic therapy for laminitis.

What is the best way to treat laminitis in horses?

Laminitis is a medical emergency and horses should be seen by a vet so that they can receive treatment as soon as possible. Various medicines can be given to control the pain including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone ('bute') or flunixin and opiates like morphine and pethidine.

Can laminitis in horses be cured?

Laminitis is a crippling condition which can be fatal in severe cases. Once a horse has had an episode of laminitis, they are particularly susceptible to future episodes. Laminitis can be managed but not cured which is why prevention is so important.

When is the best time to turn out a laminitic horse?

So, when is the best time to graze a laminitis prone horse? Turn out early morning, removing from pasture by mid-morning. This is because overnight grass plants use stores of WSC as there is no light available to use for photosynthesis – the process that produces sugar in plants.

Should you walk a laminitic horse?

A horse in pain from laminitis should not be forced to walk - pain tells a horse that he has damage and shouldn't move. NSAID (Bute, Danilon etc) use should be kept to a minimum, and should be discontinued at least 48 hours before a horse is encouraged to return to movement.

Practical tips on how to prevent and manage laminitis

How long does a laminitis episode last?

This phase can last anywhere from 24 hours (in severe cases) to 72 hours. The subacute phase of laminitis begins after clinical signs persist for longer than 72 hours and there is no clinical or radiographic evidence of digital collapse.

What will a vet do for laminitis?

TREATMENT - ACUTE

Your vet is likely to prescribe painkillers and advise a period of box rest with a deep bed of shavings. Once the pain has initially been managed, your horse's hooves may have to be trimmed by your farrier to relieve any pressure and sole or frog supports fitted.

What do you feed a horse with laminitis?

Hay is likely to form the bulk of the diet for an EMS/PPID/laminitic horse. Late cut, native species grass hay is likely to have lower sugar levels than early cut improved species (e.g. ryegrass) grass hay. High fibre haylage may also be suitable.

Can a horse eat grass after laminitis?

A return to some access to grass will often be possible following laminitis or for a horse with EMS/ID, as long as something - whatever caused the laminitis - has changed.

Is long grass better for laminitis?

Most horses do not need the high nutritional value and benefit from the many fibers and the low nutritional value of long grass. Because older grass also contains less sugar, this is also safer for horses that shed in the summer or are sensitive to laminitis.

How does a horse walk with laminitis?

Affected horses show a characteristic, 'pottery' gait landing with the heel first. The condition is much worse when the horse is walking on a firm surface or when turning. When resting, they often weight shift and stand with the hind limbs placed further underneath the body.

What percentage of horses recover from laminitis?

Most affected horses recovered completely and were useable for their intended purposes without treatment following lameness or laminitis (73.8 and 73.7 percent, respectively).

Can horses get laminitis from hay?

Feed a low energy forage

Hay is more suitable for horses and ponies at risk of laminitis than haylage. For those prone to the disease and/or overweight, feed hay that has been soaked for 12-16 hours.

What are the first signs of laminitis?

Do hoof boots help laminitis?

The use of hoof boots will help keep a laminitic horse comfortable during the healing process (5), boots will help to provide sole support and dampen the forces on the hooves as the horse moves around (6).

What hay is best for laminitic horses?

Generally, a mixture of grass hay and alfalfa is the best hay combination for horses prone to laminitis.

What time of day is the sugar content highest in grass?

Sugar content of grasses is higher in the afternoon than in the morning and sugar content is lowest at night, so grazing should be restricted to the safest times of the day to graze, early morning and night times.

What time of year do horses get laminitis?

Laminitis can affect any horse, pony, donkey or their hybrid at any time of the year and not just in spring – there is no 'safe season'. Laminitis affects tissue called sensitive laminae which are found in the horse's hoof.

What should laminitic horses not eat?

Getting the right feed for a laminitic is important for any owner of a horse or pony with laminitis. A high fibre, low starch and low sugar diet is essential for laminitics, so avoid feeds that contain cereals or molasses.

Is steamed hay good for laminitic horses?

Steaming hay with Haygain retains nutritional value, improves palatability and helps manage respiratory issues, laminitis, insulin resistance, colic and post-surgery recovery.

Are carrots good for horses with laminitis?

One of the first things you are likely to be told, as the owner of a laminitic or EMS horse, is "no treats, no carrots, no apples..". A grape or prune is sometimes suggested as suitable for hiding pergolide tablets, but owners may be warned not to use a slice of carrot or apple for the same purpose.

Can a horse recover from founder?

With prompt treatment, some horses can recover from founder. However, if the condition has caused severe damage to the hoof structure, horses may be in constant pain and unable to recover from lameness.

Do ice boots help with laminitis?

In endotoxemic horses, the boot caused the hoof to reach an average temperature of 9.6°C. “There are a number of medications we use and mechanical things we do to support the leg, but they don't prevent laminitis from developing. To date, the only thing that prevents it is cryotherapy,” explains Tomlinson.

How long does it take to recover from mild laminitis?

Recovery will often take weeks or even months and recovering laminitic horses require careful management as well as regular veterinary and farrier attention to give the best results.