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Laminitis
Laminitis is a condition that horses and more commonly ponies suffer from at various times.
Laminitis can occur for a variety of reasons, these include an abundance of food including grain and fresh Spring grass, being overweight, pain, infections and Cushings disease amongst many others.
What is Laminitis?
When there is a lack of or reduction in blood supply to the feet, the sensitive laminae (found in the hoof wall) does not recieve a sufficient amount of oxygen and becomes damaged and dies. This problem causes inflammation and pain to the horse.
Warning signs
- Hard/enlarged crest of neck
- Sensitive feet
- Horse taking weight off feet - lying down or leaning back
- Heat in feet
Treatment
Natural Equine Health has formulated a herbal blend which has proven to be extremely beneficial to horses and ponies who are on the verge of or suffering from laminitis.
Although our formulation has been very successful in treating laminitic symptoms, it is essential that the horse owner also follows a few simple steps to ensure their horse/pony doesn't fall into suffering regular bouts of these symptoms and makes a full recovery.
Laminis Mix is a blend of herbs which help to reduce inflammation and pain, strengthen the blood vessels, improve the circulation and support the lymphatic system. This mix is also used as a blood cleansing tonic.
Tips to keep in mind when treating laminitis
Rapidly growing pasture has a higher soluble sugar and starch content during the evening as plants are able to store carbohydrate from daytime photosynthesis. Lush plants which have slightly wilted will also contain highly concentrated fermentable sugar and starch.
Restrict grazing time to short periods and feed your pony a high fibre, low energy feed (80% oaten chaff, 20% lucerne chaff) before turning out to pasture. Your horse will be less likely to eat large amounts of pasture continuously and the fibrous mix will help to dilute the pasture intake. If feeding hay, soak it for 15-30 minutes to remove the sugar and starch content.
Note - The above information is a brief summary in regards to Laminitis, if you are concerned about a horse suffering this condition and wish to seek more information feel free to contact us via email or phone. We also suggest that when faced with this condition that the owner seeks the advice of their farrier and/or Vet who will help to decide the best course of action for the individual horse.