Laminitis
February 2008
SPILLERS, the UK’s tried and trusted feed manufacturer, is warning horse and pony owners of the impact that climate change could have on horses and ponies prone to laminitis.
In the coming years laminitis really could be the single biggest risk to your horse’s health. The climate is changing and the seasons are beginning to merge into each other. Milder wetter winters are countered by unpredictable summers that bring about flooding or droughts and this can have a severely detrimental knock on effect to our horses and ponies.
Horses and ponies have evolved to eat a variety of grasses, plants and shrubs that are typically of low nutrient value and in particular are lower in soluble carbohydrate (sugar) but the pasture that we keep horses on today tends to be much richer. With our milder winters too, grass is tending to grow all year round now. Recent research worryingly suggests that the nutrient value of winter grass is now very similar to spring/summer grass.
This less seasonal and more consistent grass growth has many implications for your horse and the way you manage him. Laminitis is one such implication and although traditionally the condition is seen more often during the traditional seasonal grass growth in the spring and autumn, laminitis is now a real risk throughout the whole year.
Clare Lockyer RNutr, nutritionist and research and development manager at SPILLERS® says: “Don’t ignore the predisposing signs in your horse or pony, such as a cresty neck, sore feet or a change in hoof shape, as these are all warning signs. It is at this time that you have the chance to take preventative action because waiting until it happens could prove disastrous for your horse.”
If you think your horse or pony could be prone to laminitis, it is sensible to provide a high fibre, low starch and sugar, low calorie diet and more exercise. SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® is the original complete chopped fibre feed to be approved by the Laminitis Trust.
It can be used as a complete feed and is designed to extend eating time. It has low levels of starch and sugar (especially fructose) and is proven to produce a low glycaemic response. The addition of magnesium helps to maintain a healthy metabolism. It contains a palatable blend of dried alfalfa, straw and grass with mint, garlic and soya oil and is formulated with added Biotin, Calcium, Zinc and Copper to support healthy hoof growth. SPILLERS HAPPY HOOF® is also enriched with a high specification of vitamins and minerals, including the key antioxidants vitamin E and Selenium, which may support the lamellae tissue.
For some practical tips from Clare Lockyer on how to keep your horse or pony safe from laminitis all year round visit the SPILLERS website at www.spillers-feeds.com. For friendly advice about feeding horses and ponies prone to laminitis contact the SPILLERS Care-line on 01908 226626 or careline@spillers-feeds.com
ENDS
SPILLERS® is a registered trademark.
Further information from: Bright Bay PR, telephone 01986 784562 or 07768 958911, email: brightbay@btinternet.com
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