followed as soon as possible. Firstly, the horse needs to be stabled in a thick bed that goes all the way to the door, the vet may also apply pads or other cushioning material directly to the hoof. Secondly, pain relief must be given continuously until the horse is comfortable before slowly reducing the dose. Phenylbutazone (‘bute’) is the most commonly used drug and besides pain relief, offers an anti-inflammatory effect upon the inflamed lamellae within the hoof capsule. Further treatment depends on the particular cause of the laminitis. Generally, it is a good idea to test for PPID because if the horse has the disease, the laminitis will never be under control until the levels of cortisol are controlled. If the pony is a typical overweight native, the laminitis is likely to be due to insulin resistance. There are blood tests available to diagnose EMS and these tests can be helpful to see how badly the pony is affected, but in generally any overweight horse or pony with laminitis must be started on a diet. Not only will weight loss take weight off its feet, but feeding less starch and sugar will reduce the amount of circulating insulin. Overweight laminitis sufferers should be fed hay soaked for 12 hours as well as a low-starch balancer, they do not require any other food! Your vet may implement other weight loss measures and there are some medications that can help, but these are beyond the scope of this article.
Once the horse is more comfortable, farriery is very important to help stabilise the pedal bone within the hoof capsule. Even if it looks on the radiograph that the pedal bone hasn’t moved, the inflamed lamellae are not as strong as healthy lamellae and the pedal bone is more likely to move. This is why radiographing the feet is preferred, as it helps guide vet and farrier through the healing process. Oſten, sequential images need to be taken over many months to ensure the pedal bone is stabilising and the farrier can trim the foot with the most precision. There are many options for remedial shoes to help treat laminitis, the choice will be made in joint decision between you the horse owner, your vet and your farrier.
Prevention
As always, prevention is better than cure. Probably the number one thing we can do for our horses and ponies is not letting them get
overweight, especially in the winter time. Laminitis prone ponies should be exercised daily if sound enough to do so, 20 minutes of cardiovascular (i.e. at least trot!) exercise every day helps fight insulin resistance. These ponies also need to be very carefully fed, even in winter the grass can be too rich for unlimited grazing. Please contact your vet for advice on weight loss and management of these tricky cases.
As our horses and ponies get older, it is worth including a blood test for PPID in their annual exam along with their vaccinations and dental check. Treating PPID involves daily medication and can prevent many health issues, including laminitis.
Your vet is more than happy to be the first port of call for advice on any aspect of equine healthcare.
About the author: Max Hannan BVMS MRCVS Avonvale Equine Practice, Ratley Lodge, Ratley, Banbury OX15 6DT
www.avonvaleequine.co.uk Tel: 01295 670501
Max graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2017 and then spent 2 years working in mixed practice on the lovely island of Jersey. She started her internship at Avonvale in August and enjoys all aspects of equine work but has a particular interest in equine medicine. Based at the practice, she helps look after any inpatients staying at the clinic.
Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements THE SPRING SPECIAL 2020 15
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