Comfort Muzzle

03/29/2022

Grass sugar content fluctuates with the time of day, season, and weather. Timing pasture access for horses with EMS, IR, or a history of laminitis can help prevent serious problems.

03/24/2022

Insulin dysregulation can trigger laminitis, and it’s more common than you might think. Here’s a look at how to help prevent it in your horse.

10/08/2021

How often do we actively seek to prevent laminitis instead of triage it? I know I harp on the leading cause of laminitis in horses -endocrinopathic or metabolic in nature- but are we aware of some of the more subtle signs so we can watch those horses that are at risk closely?

In this week's podcast episode, Dr. Alicia Nolfi and I touch on a variety of aspects of laminitis, including early warning signs, diagnostics, treatment approaches, and shifting our focus to prevention instead of simply rushing to deal with the aftermath.

You can hear the episode on any podcast app under "The Humble Hoof," or directly at this link: https://thehumblehoof.libsyn.com/laminitis-treatment-and-prevention

09/29/2021

LONG OR SHORT GRASS?

I'm asked this question a lot.

Firstly - for what type of horse?

If we're talking about an obese horse, or one with EMS or prone to laminitis, then you'll be concerned about the calorie intake, and WSC (sugar and fructan) intake.

Very short, overgrazed grass in a restricted area (ideally tracks rather than rectangular) with supplementary hay is a better choice than AD LIB healthier pasture with longer grass, for an obese/EMS/laminitic horse.

Why? because on the shorter grass their TOTAL calorie and sugar/fructan intake will be LOWER than on the ad lib longer more mature grass.

However, the longer more mature grass STRIP GRAZED may be an even better choice.

The answer really does depend on your horse, their situation, and your facilities/yard.

❌ It's not about how much sugar is in the grass, per kilo.

✅ It's about how much sugar/fructan and calories your horse can eat over a set period of time!

Always monitor your horse and assess the suitability of their environment from them themselves.

Please share to help spread the word 🐴🍏

(ps this very info is an entry in the Equine Nutrition Learning Centre at http://equinenutritionist.com/equine-nutrition-learning-centre)

09/24/2021

❗ LAMINITIS WARNING FROM VETS ❗

Vets are reporting that they are seeing a sharp increase in cases of laminitis.

🌦With the majority of the UK experiencing rain and periods of sunshine, this creates the perfect conditions for rapid grass growth.

🐴 Laminitis is an extremely painful condition and can cause permanent damage to the hooves. It affects structures called sensitive lamellae that are located inside the horse’s hoof. The sensitive lamellae form a strong bond to hold the pedal bone in place within the hoof.

Laminitis causes the sensitive lamellae to stretch, weaken and become damaged which can cause the pedal bone to move within the hoof. In extreme cases the pedal bone can even pe*****te through the sole of the hoof which is excruciatingly painful. In such cases, euthanasia is likely to be the only treatment option to end the horse’s suffering. 🌈

Horses carrying excess weight or have a health condition such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) are at an increased risk of laminitis so grazing may have to be restricted.

👀 Watch out for the subtle signs as shown below and if you have any concerns contact your vet.

For further advice, including prevention visit: https://www.bhs.org.uk/advice-and-information/horse-health-and-sickness/laminitis

09/22/2021

07/15/2021

Several new drugs have recently emerged for more successful treatment of equine metabolic disease. At the NO Laminitis! 2021 Virtual Conference (August 12-15), Dr. Kellon will discuss newer treatment protocols, including those using cabergoline, bromocriptine, glyburide and canagliflozin for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID). Registration and other details at nolaminitis.org.

04/06/2021