Hoof Anatomy and Relationship with Laminitis
The Anatomy of the hoof Skeletal Structure. The foot, or the equine digit, is made up of a series of bones: the proximal phalanx/ third phalanges or the long pastern bone; the middle phalanx/second phalanges or short pastern bone; the distal phalanx, the pedal or coffin bone; and the navicular Read more…
Support the the Laminitic Owner: research, references and support available.
Support Groups Friends of the Laminitis Site Group (fee payable) Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Support Websites and Information Aetiology Of Laminitis Grass Sugars (NSC) Feeds and Nutrition Grazing Management
Grazing Management
In the management of a laminitic horse or pony there are various methods that may be used to restrict grazing and offer a suitable quality of life for the equine. Horses are naturally herd animals who need companionship and access to roam pastures in order to remain healthy. In order Read more…
Forage for Laminitics
Is Alfalfa Suitable for Laminitics ? Alfalfa is a fibre product produced from a type of grass known as Lucerne Grass. It is high in protein and naturally low in sugar and starch. However, research has shown that it may cause laminitis in horse that are Insulin Resistant ( Getty, Read more…
Feeding for Weight Gain
Feeding for Weight Gain In some cases the laminitic prone horse or pony may require feeding for weight gain. This can be the case in many cases of PPID (Cushings) related laminitis or the aged horse. When it is necessary to feed a higher calorie diet in order to maintain Read more…
Feeding for Weight Loss
Feeding for Weight Loss In many cases of metabolic laminitis, particularly when related to EMS, obesity is a key factor. In these cases it is imperative to reduce the weight and aim for a healthy weight with an ideal body condition score of 4 to 6 (Using the Henneke body Read more…
Grass Sugars Defined
Grass – Fructans in Grass Fructan levels in grass vary according to the time of year as well as the time of day. During times of rapid growth in spring and autumn fructan levels are high. They are particularly high when it is sunny during the day and cold at Read more…
Understanding Equine Digestion
In order to understand the nutritional requirements of the laminitic horse, it is firstly necessary to understand the digestive tract in terms of anatomy and physiology. Basic Anatomy of the Digestive System Horses are non-ruminant herbivores. Cows and sheep are ruminants who chew the cud regurgitated from its rumen. As Read more…
Aetiology of Laminitis
Laminitis Defined Laminitis is a term to describe lameness with characteristics including (but not limited to): A bounding digital pulse in the lower leg and hoof Heat in the feet Hoof pain especially in the region of the toe. Reluctance to move and turn Lameness in one or more feet Read more…
Introduction to Equine Laminitis Nutrition
Welcome to this CPD session covering nutritional management for feeding a laminitic horse. This session has been written solely for you to improve your knowledge of laminitic nutrition and information to help your horse. We have included a wide range of elements that encompass the horses health and information in Read more…
Calculating Bodyweights
To ensure that your horse is receiving the correct weight of feed stuff you will need to have an accurate body weight for your horse. There are several methods that you can use: weighbridge, weigh tape, weigh calculation, and estimation chart. Weighbridge The most reliable methods for measuring your horses Read more…
Condition Scoring
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is an assessment of the body condition of your horse. It will assess whether the horse is too thin or too fat by observation and hands-on feeling of the body. There are two methods of assessing the body condition of the horse. The Henneke method and Read more…
