I don’t know about you all, but I’m already ready for spring! Green grass and warmer temps! Of course with that green grass comes an influx of calls to the veterinarian for horses with laminitis. Many horse owners have heard of the dangers of spring grass and laminitis. Many however, do Not realize that their horse was at risk for laminitis before eating that lush new grass. Attached is an informative article about the early signs of laminitis. The earlier we can catch or prevent laminitis, the less damage will be done to the horse’s hoof. The important thing to remember about laminitis is that it is a symptom, not a disease. The inflammation always occurs secondary to something else. Causes of laminitis like acute infectious diseases or sudden illness can be hard to prevent. The more common causes of laminitis though, tend to be chronic diseases like equine metabolic syndrome (also referred to as insulin resistance), Cushing’s disease (PPID), or just poor dietary management, which can often be diagnosed and managed before a horse suffers a severe case of laminitis.
Many times an owner will call because suddenly the horse is lying down all the time, or is reluctant to walk. Maybe it is in the classic laminitis stance with front legs stretched out and leaning on its hind end to get weight off the sensitive front hooves. To the owner, the episode seems very acute and dramatic. As the veterinarian we often find tell-tale signs during the horse’s exam that this horse was at-risk for developing laminitis such as obesity, signs of Cushing’s disease (abnormal haircoat, muscle wasting, pot-bellied appearance, etc.). We may also see tell-tale signs in the hoof that the horse has been experiencing inflammation in the laminae long before they became acutely lame. Often times the inflammation may be chronic and mild enough the horse doesn’t exhibit the more classic and dramatic signs of laminitis for a very long time. Your farrier will also likely pick up on these changes in the hoof.
I’m sharing this article to you in January because Now is the perfect time to start thinking about if your horse is at risk. If you notice your horse may need to jump on the New Year’s Resolution band wagon, now is the perfect time to get his weight under control before spring. With thick winter hair coats or a big winter blanket on, it can be hard to tell what your horse’s true body condition and weight is. If you don’t ride much in the winter, a great way to notice changes in your horse, is to pull the horse out and just groom it. While you are leading your horse, look for any reluctance to turn or step out at the walk. Is he tender-footed over rough or hard ground? When you are grooming notice the ribs, they should not be easily visible but you should still be able to feel where they are. Does your horse have a thick, “cresty” neck under that mane? Is there any excess fat padding over the withers or tail head? When you clean out your horse’s hooves look for signs noted in the article like abnormally hot feet, or widening of the white line (image shows a widened white line from chronic laminitis. PC: http://www.equipodiatry.com/article_examining_equine_foot.htm).
As spring approaches, do you notice that everyone else is shedding their winter coat, but one horse isn’t? Take not of your horse’s age and breed. PPID or Cushing’s disease is typically seen in horses over 15 years of age. Certain breeds like ponies, Morgans, Arabians, and Warmbloods are more genetically prone to Equine Metabolic Syndrome and keeping these horses at a healthy weight is particularly important. If you have concerns talk to your veterinarian. They can examine the horse and, if they feel it is warranted, may recommend running blood tests to check your horse’s insulin levels, or check for PPID (Cushing’s disease). They will also be able to recommend any dietary or hoof care changes if needed.
Article: "10 Early Warning Signs of Laminitis" The Horse. 8/24/2016.