Friday 10 May 2013

Managing Laminitis with the Easyboot RX

The term Laminitis describes a condition which sadly affects many horses and ponies in the UK. The pain associated with the disease is caused by inflammation of the internal laminae tissues which in some severe cases can result in the epidermal and dermal tissue bonds which join to the hoof wall becoming torn and damaged. Laminitis is particularly prevalent during the Spring and Autumn months when the grass is of optimum quality as a result of weather conditions typically bringing both rain and shine. The condition is often linked to obesity and poor diet but it is also associated with; stress, toxaemia, mechanical trauma, hormone problems and some steroid treatment. Low-grade laminitis caused by dietary triggers such as spring grass can go unnoticed in the shod horse, as shoeing decreases hoof blood flow, causing loss of sensation. However, in the barefoot horse, with full hoof sensation and heightened sensitivity on rough ground when low grade laminitis is present it is seen earlier. This is great news as the condition can be spotted earlier and management can be implemented but what do we do to support our horses suffering with either low level, acute or chronic laminitis? The first stop if you think your horse may be suffering from laminitis is always your veterinarian. If diagnosed with laminitis the Easyboot RX can provide the ideal therapy hoof boot for our equines. A horse or pony diagnosed with laminitis requires sole support. This can be achieved by using the RX boot on a bare (non shod) hoof as the boot is equipped with shock absorbing Easycare comfort pads inside. The supportive and stabilising boot allows the horse to benefit from increased circulation and undertake controlled exercise or turnout once the hoof has stabilised which can aid healing. Other management techniques such as reducing calorie intake including starch and sugar levels in the diet, providing deep, supportive bedding and minimising stress levels can help laminitis sufferers. If you think your horse or pony may be suffering from laminitis always contact your vet.