SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100

Ask the Vet: Preventing Laminitis

smartpaksmartpak



Q: I have a 22-year-old Quarter Horse that recently experienced his first bout of laminitis. What are some key diet points to consider as he recovers from this episode and prevent relapses?



Grazing senior horseGrazing senior horse

A: First of all, I’m sorry to hear that your horse and you had to go through this. Laminitis (inflammation of the lamina) can not only be painful but also potentially career-ending and even LIFE-ending. Hopefully I can provide some advice that helps him recover from this episode and not have to experience another.

My very first thought when I read that your horse is a senior (age 22) and just had his first bout of laminitis is: could he have Cushing’s Disease? Laminitis is one of the clinical signs associated with this medical condition in horses. Cushing’s (also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID) can be responsible for the onset of laminitis in an older horse that has never struggled with it before. I strongly encourage you to ask your veterinarian about testing your horse for Cushing’s. If he does test positive, there is an FDA-approved for use in horses treatment for this condition (Prascend) which may reduce his risk for another bout of laminitis in the future.

At the same time he is having bloodwork examined for Cushing’s, consider also having his insulin status assessed. An inability to regulate glucose or blood sugar (which can occur with or without the presence of Cushing’s) can also be responsible for laminitic episodes. Your vet can share with you the most current nutritional recommendations appropriate for horses with Cushing’s, insulin dysregulation, or both conditions, depending on what the bloodwork shows.

If neither Cushing’s nor an inability to regulate insulin is the culprit, you may want to consult with your vet about general diet and management practices that could be setting your horse up for laminitis such as lush pasture, sweet feeds, or other foods high in sugar. Consider increasing wellness visits from annually to twice a year, so that your vet gets to examine your horse more frequently. And don’t forget to work with your farrier to make sure your horse’s hooves are in the best shape possible. By getting on top of the situation early with quality preventive care, your horse has a great chance of recovering and remaining healthy!

Liked this article? Here are more on laminitis:
First-Aid for Laminitis
Laminitis Recovery
New Laminitis Treatment Shows

Lydia Gray, DVM

Dr. Lydia Gray is the Medical Director and Staff Veterinarian for SmartPak Equine in Plymouth, MA, where she directs the research and development of products and provides horse health and nutrition education to a wide variety of audiences. Dr. Gray’s work has appeared in more than a dozen general and trade publications and she speaks frequently around the country. She is the proud owner of a Trakehner gelding named “Newman” that she competes in dressage and combined driving.

Recent Posts

Is Your Saddle Making You Ride Badly?

For successful saddle fitting, it is as important to address the dynamic stability of the rider as it is the…

11 hours ago

The State of Equine Nonprofits

Economically speaking, 2023 was a less than banner year for most Americans, and charitable organizations that rely on public donations…

1 day ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Nyssa

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

2 days ago

How a Horse Girl Stayed Horsey Despite Not Riding for Years

After growing up horsey, Nancy still held on to her identity as a “horse girl” even when she hadn’t ridden…

3 days ago

Barn Banter – Episode 29

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 29, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…

4 days ago

How the Nurse Mare Industry is Changing for the Better

The nurse mare industry has been a source of controversy over the years, but practices are changing—meaning a better outlook…

5 days ago