That could be the beginning of serious founder problems — laminitis. Veterinarians and nutritionists have known for some time that plants store energy in their seeds in the form of starch that can cause laminitis if the horse is introduced to grain too quickly or eats too much grain.
Only recently have researchers discovered that grasses not only store energy in their seed heads as starch, they also store energy as sugar.
In the spring, as grass is growing rapidly, it stores more sugar than it needs for growth, and horses consume the sugar as they graze. Later in the year, when the daylight and nighttime temperatures are more consistent and grass growth rates decrease, the plant uses up most of the sugar produced during the day each night.
Laminae make up the delicate, accordion-like tissue that attaches the inner surface of the hoof wall to the coffin bone the bone in the foot. The sensitive laminae cover the bone and interlock with the insensitive laminae lining the inside of the hoof wall to keep the coffin bone in place within the hoof.
A horse suffering from laminitis experiences a decrease in blood flow to the laminae, which in turn begin to die and separate. The final result is hoof wall separation, rotation of the coffin bone and extreme pain.
The Grass Founder and Laminitis e-book answers many common founder questions, such as:. Esteemed veterinarians Dr. Thomas R. Lenz and Dr. You can read it today or save it for later. November Grass Founder in Horses: Founder vs. News and Publications Overview. American Quarter Horse Association. AQHA International. Robin Glenn Pedigrees. American Quarter Horse Store. The American Quarter Horse Journal. News and Blogs. Newsletter Sign Up.
Magazines Overview. Current Issue. It is important to find the cause of laminitis and treat it, otherwise it is likely to recur. Do you have questions about laminitis or founder? Or do you think your horse might be at risk? Call us on 06 or e-mail awapuni tvg. Feilding 06 Awapuni 06 Taumarunui 07 Totally Vets offers a comprehensive on-farm and in-clinic veterinary service.
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Subscribe to our Announcements list to receive event notifications and special promotions from TheHorse. Dished hooves, which are the result of unequal rates of hoof growth the heels grow at a faster rate than the rest of the hoof, resulting in an "Aladdin-slipper" appearance. Treatment will depend on specific circumstances but may include the following: Diagnosing and treating the primary problem laminitis is often due to a systemic or general problem elsewhere in the horse's body. Dietary restrictions; stop feeding all grain-based feeds and pasture.
Feed only grass hay until advised by your veterinarian. Treating with mineral oil via a nasogastric tube to purge the horse's digestive tract, especially if the horse has overeaten. Administering fluids if the horse is ill or dehydrated.
Administering other drugs such as antibiotics to fight infection; anti-endotoxins to reduce bacterial toxicity; and anticoagulants and vasodilators to reduce blood pressure while improving blood flow to the feet. Stabling the horse on soft ground, such as in sand or shavings not black walnut and encouraging the horse to lie down to reduce pressure on the weakened laminae. Opening and draining any abscesses that may develop. Cooperation between your veterinarian and the farrier techniques that may be helpful include corrective trimming, frog supports and therapeutic shoes or pads.
Your veterinarian may be able to advise you on new therapies that may include standing your horse in ice water to prevent the onset of laminitis after a predisposing cause such as a retained placenta or a known grain overload. Extra care is recommended for any horse that has had laminitis, including: A modified diet that provides adequate nutrition based on high-quality forage, digestible fiber beet pulp and oil.
Avoid excess carbohydrates, especially from grain. Routine hoof care, including regular trimming and, in some cases, therapeutic shoeing additional radiographs may be needed to monitor progress. A good health-maintenance schedule, including parasite control and vaccinations, to reduce the horse's susceptibility to illness or disease Possibly a nutritional supplement formulated to promote hoof health biotin supplements are popular for promoting hoof growth.
Avoid grazing lush pastures, especially between late morning and late afternoon hours, since plant sugars are the highest during these times. Restrict pasture intake during spring or anytime the pasture suddenly greens up. For more information, contact your veterinarian.
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