YOUR HORSE’S CARE FIT NOT FAT | LAMINITIS RISK FACTORS
MEET THE EXPERT
Spillers’ nutritionist SARAH NELSON is responsible for the technical management of all Spillers’ products, including feed formulation. Sarah has been a part of the Spillers’ team since 2009, and she has advised horse owners, riders and vets on all aspects of practical nutrition. Her current role involves translating key scientific messages into practical advice for owners, as well as providing nutritional consultations for clinical cases. Visit spillers-feeds.com
WITH THEWARMER months on the horizon many owners will be concerned about laminitis. It is a condition that affects 3-5% of the equine population and involves damage to—or failure of —the laminae. These tissues which attach the pedal bone to the hoof wall can be the source of varying degrees of pain and lameness.
What causes laminitis?
In general,most cases of laminitis fall into one of the following categories:
■ Hyperinsulinemia associated laminitis (HAL). ■ Laminitis that is related to inflammation or ■ Mechanical laminitis or supporting limb laminitis, which occurs as a result of excess weight-bearing due to an infection or injury in the other leg.
