Feeding the laminitis prone...

The risk of laminitis can be all too real for horse and pony owners, but why do only some animals suffer? Management is certainly key, but even with good management, we know that some individuals will always be more prone. Kate Hore R Nutr - Senior Nutritionist at NAF advises...

Research is now giving us a better understanding of risks like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). EMS is a similar reaction to Type II Diabetes in people, and means the animals are insulin resistant (IR). In the wild, insulin resistance allows ponies to thrive on a very harsh diet, but on modern grassland it results in too much circulating glucose, which is then laid down as ‘fat pads’.
So what can we do nutritionally? The diet should be managed to provide bulk as high fibre with little, or no, additional cereals. That fibre should be low in non-structural carbohydrates (NCSs) and if you are struggling to source suitable hay or forage, consider soaking hay overnight to reduce sugars to a more suitable level.
For the IR / EMS in hard work, low nutrient fibre alone may not provide sufficient energy. Consider using oil as a safe, suitable form of slow release energy for laminitics.

Pasture management is vital to controlling the risk of pasture laminitis. Avoid over-grazed, horse-sick grass, as while it tries to regrow it will actually be high in NSCs, as are many common pasture weeds. Far better to have a well-managed, quality sward but not too lush and care should be taken to monitor intake. Consider turning out with a grazing muzzle, or using strip grazing. Try not to just fence off a small area for laminitics as this reduces their opportunity to keep moving and stay naturally active. Remember the importance of regular exercise, which not only helps to control weight gain, but also ensures healthy blood flow around the laminae in the hooves.

To spot any changes over time, use a weigh tape regularly. Although they can be inaccurate, if used by the same person they give a good guide.