Grazing season is laminitis time!

Laminitis is a diffuse inflammation of the hoof corium of non-infectious origin. It can result from over exertion (strain laminitis), from poisoning (toxic plants, medication) or from retaining the afterbirth after foaling (birthing laminitis) as well as from starch and fructan-rich rations.

Laminitis is always connected to a lot of pain for the horse and can lead in severe cases to the loss of the hoof capsule. The “saw horse” stance of the horse is typical to relieve the pain from the front legs when an acute laminitis advance occurs.

If intestinal bacteria perish

An acute dietary induced laminitis results from an increased starch intake from grains or from high fructan concentrations from pasture forage. This leads to an imbalanced bacterial environment of the colon, a so-called colon-dysbiosis. The multiplying acid-forming bacteria are responsible for a shift in the ph-balance. This leads to the death necrosis of the “good” bacteria and the intestinal mucosa is damaged. Resulting endotoxins (toxins) get through the damaged intestinal mucosa into the bloodstream and eventually to the hoof corium. This results in circulatory problems and a severe inflammation of the hoof corium, harming the support structure that suspends the pedal bone inside the hoof capsule, which can then lead to the sinking and/or rotation of the pedal bone. This process causes severe pain and lameness.

Regeneration support

Laminitis caused by excess weight Another form of dietary induced laminitis. This is a slow moving laminitis, which is closely connected to excessive weight and potentially results in Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). This form has a longer history.

Feeding recommendation

per 100 kg body weight and day

200 - 350 g Equigard

During or immediately after an acute laminitis advance:
50 g Glucogard
20 g Lamin forte

For chronic laminitis patients or for prophylaxis
20 g Glucogard

To improve the quality of the hoof tissue
20 - 40 g Ungulat

Hay can be replaced by good quality straw for the energy reduction in a ratio of 2:1.

Our recommendation:

Glyx-Mash
for activation of metabolism and digestion

Glyx-Lobs
as tasteful treat

Brandon plus metabolicum
to optimize the nutrient supply in horses with increased laminitis