Feeding the Laminitic D
iet is one of the most important things to consider when managing a laminitic; it is crucial in the recovery from laminitis and should help to reduce the risk of further episodes.
It is well-established that laminitic horses and ponies require a diet that is low in sugar and starch. Recent research is helping to improve our understanding as to why this is but also why correct dietary management alone may not eliminate laminitis permanently.
Risk factors for laminitis
Laminitis is multifactorial i.e. it is rarely caused by one factor alone, and thinking about the factors that can contribute will help to establish the most suitable regime for a laminitic. If these factors can be managed, and/or treated prior to an attack, it may help to prevent laminitis from occurring in the first place.
(1) Hormonal Dysfunction has been identified as one of the most common contributing factors to laminitis. Insulin Dysregulation (ID) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing’s) have been diagnosed by vets in up to 90% of laminitis cases.
These conditions can help to explain why certain horses and ponies are more susceptible to laminitis than others. For those that suffer from (or are prone to) these hormonal conditions, restricting sugar and starch intake is essential.
A different form of hormonal effect can come from certain medication (e.g. corticosteroids) which can increase the risk of laminitis, particularly in horses and ponies with PPID/ID. Stress is another factor with hormonal involvement that can contribute.
(2) Carbohydrate Overload is caused by an excessive intake of sugar and starch. Grass that is high in water-soluble carbohydrates (e.g. spring/autumn/frosted grass), hard feeds high in starch (e.g. cereal-based feeds), and the use of highly molassed feeds can cause a rise in insulin levels in the blood. This response is
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April/May 2020
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