Caring For A Pony With Laminitis

Consult your equine practitioner to formulate a good dietary plan.

Caring for a pony with laminitis.

If you notice your horse has laminitis the main aims are going to be managing and reducing your horse s pain as soon as possible. Nevertheless as you care for your horse it s important to monitor his feet for the first hints of pain. Changes to the shape and angle of the. Horses with chronic laminitis can still show signs of pain but can also include.

Chronic laminitis is usually where the horse has had repeat episodes of laminitis causing physical changes to the hooves or when the pedal bone has moved. Of course you should also call your vet for medical therapy and advice and testing for possible causes. Watch for laminitis when treating other illnesses. It s a decision that should be made by all of the parties involved in the caring for the horse.

The best surface to walk on is firm ground with a slight give such as packed dirt. Such is life caring for a horse with chronic laminitis. A laminitis horse will generally eat large quantities of minerals when the salt is removed for extended periods of time indicating their need for minerals. Introduce your horse to lush pasture gradually.

If complications arise expect your financial outlay to increase too. There is a wide variation in the signs of disease as well as in the extent of the underlying problem. Understand that it s simply impossible to predict how an individual horse with laminitis is going to respond to your rehabilitation efforts. Be aware that when a horse is ill under stress or overweight it is especially at risk.

Not all laminitis episodes are created equal and the type your horse experiences can significantly affect the way you care for him as he recovers says catherine mcgowan bvsc macvsc deim dipl. If you suspect laminitis consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately. Horses with chronic laminitis can be at a high risk of future episodes. A conservative added cost estimate for minimal care for a foundered horse is 200 a month.

This is because the support for the bone inside the hoof is weak and any undue force could sheer the tendon completely. Caring for laminitis cases during an acute episode of laminitis. When walking a horse with laminitis take it at a gentle pace and walk in straight lines avoiding lunging or tight corners. Sulfur may also be an important nutrient for these horses and can be fed free choice or in a supplement such as msm.

If your horse develops a serious septic illness laminitis will be only one of your worries. The prognosis for recovery from acute laminitis depends heavily on how early treatment begins.