KEEP THE SPRINGIN THEIR STEP By LAMINITIS EXPLAINED


thathighlevels of blood insulin can directly precipitate laminitis. 2) Re-establishing the fibre-digesting bacterial population of the hindgut


Laminitis is apainful condition affecting the laminae,which connectthe hoof wall to the pedal bone.Laminitis is theend result of acascade of reactionswhich ultimately lead to the inflammation, disruption and failureofthe laminae. It is nearly alwaysmulti-factorial. Hormonal dysfunction has been


identified as behind manycases of laminitis,usually involving‘good- doers.’Insulin Resistance(IR) and/or EquineMetabolic Syndrome (EMS) and/or Pars PituitaryIntermedia Dysfunction (PPID)/ Cushing’s have been diagnosed by vets in up to 90% of laminitis cases. Other potential ‘risk factors’include: ●Obesity ●Excessiveintakeof sugar and starch


●Stress ● Trauma/concussion and overload ofaweight-bearing limb (e.g.fracture)


●Sepsis (e.g.retained placenta and colitis)


Feeding alaminitic Thekey dietaryfactors which need addressing to supportrecoveryare: 1) Reducing sugar/starch intake to controlthe insulin response


Hard feeds high in starch (e.g.cereals) and the use of highly molassed feeds can cause arise in insulin levels in the blood.Grass that is high in sugar and/or fructans (e.g. Spring/Autumn/frosted grass)may also contribute.This hormonal response will be exaggerated by underlying IR. Research has found


Themicrobial balanceofthe hindgut can be affectedby excessiveconsumption of sugar and starch, causing the hindgut to become moreacidic.This can allow‘Laminitis Trigger Factors’ to leak into thebloodstream, ultimately causing laminitis. 3)Weightcontrol Internal fatishormonally active and can initiate changes in the foot which contributetothe onset of laminitis,and obese horses and poniesmayalso have IR. Due to the excessivebodyweightcarried, thereisalsoagreater physical load on the structures of the hoof. It is importantnever to


starve alaminitic as this can inducehyperlipidaemia, usually with fatal consequences. Low(<10%)Non-Structural


Carbohydrate (NSC)hay should be fedad-lib initially to help re-establish the correcthindgut bacterial balance. If weightloss is required,after oneweek haycan be gradually reduced toaminimum of 1.5% of ideal bodyweight. Late-cut meadowhay is usually


suitable butmayrequiresoaking forbetween 3and 12 hours in ample,cool,fresh water to reduce its sugar and calorie content. Using haynets with small holes or‘trickle nets’can be helpful forthose that aregreedy.Some haycan also be partially replaced by alow


AnnaWelch BVSc,BSc,MRCVS. VeterinaryNutrition Director, TopSpec


calorie,low sugar/starch chop. Hardfeeds should be kept low


in sugar and starch and cereal- grain-free.Using atop specification, pelleted multi-supplementis advisable to balancethe diet for micronutrients.Abroad-spectrum supplement, hoof supplement, high levels of antioxidants and pre- andprobiotics areall important forthose prone to,being treated for, or recovering fromlaminitis. Following recovery,in


consultation with anutritionist, the diet can be slowly adapted if morecondition is required.A topspecificationfeed balancer, unmolassed alfalfa chop,and when appropriate,alow starch (<10%) conditioning cube can be used. TopSpec canbecontacted, free of charge,ontheir Multiple-Award- Winning-HelplineTel: 01845- 565030 or visitwww.topspec.com


MOLLICHAFF HOOFKIND COMPLETE


Going into spring can be arisk forhorsesand ponies prone to laminitis as the new grass contains high levels of soluble sugars and non- structural carbohydrates(NSCs) which can trigger laminitis.Ifyour horse or ponyisprone to the disease,itshould be fedalow sugar,low starch and high fibre diet. It is importantnot to starve such animals as this can cause further problems. Choose aforage thathas alower sugar contentthan hay, such as High FibreorTimothyHorseHage,and, ideally,acompletefeed,low in starch andsugar that is suitable forhorsesand ponies prone to laminitis. Mollichaff HoofKind Completeismade from abalanced blend of high qualityoat straw, dried alfalfa, fibrepellets,soyaoil with added vitamins and minerals,trace elements, including magnesium and natural plant-based antioxidants,aswell as added biotin. It is lowinstarchand sugar,high in fibre anddoesnot


10 APRIL 2017


contain anycereals.Itprovides alow level but high qualityprotein and restrictedcalories to give limited, controlled energy fromhigh qualitydigestible fibre and oil-based ingredients,making it an excellentfeed forgooddoers as well as those prone to laminitis. Mollichaff HoofKind Completecontains abroad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement and,when fedatthe recommended levels,it can be used as the sole bucket feed.Soyou don’t need anyother bags of feed,balancer or supplements –justMollichaff HoofKind Completeplusgood qualityforage. Forfurther advice on feeding your horse,pony or donkey,please call theHorseHage Helpline on 01803 527274 or visitwww.horsehage.co.uk RRP is around £11.35-£12.30. Formoreinformation on Speedi-Beet contact BritishHorse Feeds on 01765 680300 or visitwww.britishhorsefeeds.com.


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