Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Laminitis is a condition which affects horses and is the most common cause of lameness in the United Kingdom. A simple description of what happens is, the soft tissue which naturally suspends the two laminae in the lower leg becomes inflamed and therefore looses it ability to keep the laminae and the hoof apart, imagine your shin bone growing through the bottom of your foot. This is extremely painful and if not treated can cause lameness and even death, in many cases when not treated in a timely manner the affected horse will have to be put down. It is reported that the pain caused by chronic laminitis is actually enough to kill the horse, such it the shock.There are many supplements or laminitis anti inflammatory products on the market today which are marketed as a cure for Laminitis, but this is a fallacy, there are absolutely no supplements that can do this, should you suspect your horse is suffering call the vet immediately.
The most common cause of laminitis in the United Kingdom is over feeding. This unfortunately is partly the fault of the feed companies who tell people who do not know much about horses that they need more food that they really do, in order to make more money. If you are unsure about how much to feed your horse ask a reputable breeder or the local stable owner, or even give us a call and we will be happy to advise. Other causes are prolonged riding on hard surfaces and jumping on firm surfaces, this is particularly common in the summer months when the turf is hard.
There are supplements that you can use to help prevent the condition, but remember, laminitis anti inflammatory supplements alone will not prevent, you need to make sure that correct shoes are fitted and that you don't over expose your horse. Liquid Gold Garlic Concentrate comes in a handy one litre bottle with a measure built in, making it easy to add the correct amount to the feed. It helps the digestive tract in the development of natural bacterial flora and helps support circulation to the feet A particular benefit if your horse is prone to Laminitis.
Labels: anti inflammatory, herbal anti inflammatory, horses laminitis