Thinking that Laminitis is a spring and autumn event only could be a big and costly mistake for you and your horse!

Latest data from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute confirms that whilst 2005 was a fairly average grass growing season, 2006, after a slow start, appears to be more than exceeding last year’s levels. GrassCheck, jointly funded by AgriSearch and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), provides actual and predicted grass growth information on a weekly basis throughout the grazing season. “The recent showery, warm weather has encouraged growth to return quickly back up to average levels. Growth is likely to increase further in the short-term, but is expected to drop again in late June” GrassCheck reports.

Laminitis cases being treated by the Poynton Farriery Clinic have co-incidently doubled during the first 6 months of 2006 compared with the same period last year. “We really must be on our guard and restrict grazing during the peak periods of grass growth and in particular, high levels of water soluble carbohydrates” comments Andrew Poynton, FWCF. “Most cases of laminitis can be prevented by restricting a horse’s grass, cereal and succulent intake so it makes sense to monitor the grass growth rate and water-soluble carbohydrate levels on a weekly basis. Laminitis is a major vascular crisis that results in inflammation and weakening of the laminal structures and bonds within the hoof. Pedal bone descent and rotation can happen in less than 48 hours!” says Andrew. “Predicting when and how quickly a pedal bone may move is not possible. It is therefore crucial to fit Imprint First, the only mouldable shoe that provides immediate support by stabilising and inhibiting pedal bone movement via the unique Frog Cradle™” stresses Andrew.

Remember that Laminitis requires immediate first aid treatment for the patient concerned but very often it is not delivered with the urgency that is required.
 

www.afbini.gov.uk...grasscheck-results.htm

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