Companion Animals

Companion Horse Laminitis Prevention and Management

Prevention and management of equine laminitis, a painful and common condition in companion horses and ponies.

Key Facts

Laminitis causes severe lameness through inflammation of the sensitive laminae in hooves
Native pony breeds are most susceptible due to adaptation to sparse grazing
Spring grass with high sugar content is a primary trigger for laminitic episodes
Grazing muzzles and strip grazing reduce grass intake and laminitis risk
Recent research has linked laminitis primarily to endocrine disorders rather than diet alone

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes severe acute pain and chronic lameness that significantly reduces quality of life, and prevention through appropriate grazing management is a welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Restrict grazing access for susceptible ponies during spring grass flushes
Use grazing muzzles and strip grazing to manage sugar intake
Ask your vet to test for endocrine disorders in horses with recurrent laminitis