Research sheds new light on horse laminitis risk factors

New research suggests we may soon be able to better identify horses at greater risk of developing pasture-associated laminitis, not only by looking at breed type, body condition score and associated higher risk environments but also by checking hormone and insulin levels.

Laminitis manifests in the foot and results in varying degrees of pain, lameness and debilitation. There are several causes, but being able to identify animals at increased risk, as well as the potential risk factors, is obviously key to reducing the incidence of the condition.

The two new studies have been conducted in collaboration the WALTHAM® Equine Studies Group. The first, carried out by Nanna Luthersson and colleagues and published online in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in March, evaluated the laminitis risk factors in a group of Danish horses and ponies. It confirmed that cold-blooded type animals, less than 150cm in height, such as certain native ponies, as well as those being kept on high quality pasture were at an increased risk of developing laminitis for the first time. It also highlighted the important role that a change in grass intake, in terms of both type and amount, may play at any time of the year, not only the spring as commonly thought.  

The second study, funded in part by the PetPlan Charitable Trust, British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation Norman Hayward Fund and the Laminitis Trust, was undertaken in conjunction with Nicola Menzies-Gow (Royal Veterinary College) and published online in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) in August. The study evaluated the risk factors for the development of laminitis prior to the occurrence of the disease. It identified that low concentrations of the adipose tissue derived hormone adiponectin, together with high serum insulin concentrations (at rest and as part of a diagnostic test for PPID) may predict an increased risk of future pasture-associated laminitis. It is hoped that further studies will be able to more accurately predict future laminitis development in an individual animal.

The RVC in collaboration with WALTHAM is currently taking this forward through a study in which these markers are measured regularly, in conjunction with a detailed management assessment, in a group of ponies with no known history of laminitis at the start.

Tips to help keep your horse safe from laminitis all year round:

Do not turn out cold-blooded types onto new, high quality pasture.
Restrict grass intake. Even winter grass can be a significant contributor to excess calories. A horse or pony can consume up to three times its normal daily energy requirement in just 24 hours at grass. Consider using an appropriately fitting grazing muzzle for part of the day and/or restrict time out at grass, although body condition still needs to be monitored as some animals can still consume a considerable amount in a short period of time.
Keep regular track of your horse’s body condition - try using the SPILLERS BCI calculator and Body Condition Scoring tool via your mobile or tablet device.
Increase exercise if appropriate to do so, not only to help your horse or pony lose or maintain a healthy weight but also to help keep the metabolism healthy.
Provide an appropriate amount (not less than 1.5% bodyweight per day on a dry matter basis) of an alternative low calorie forage source. Replacing pasture with suitable (less than 10% (on a dry matter basis) water soluble carbohydrate, WSC) hay, haylage or a forage replacer will help replicate natural browsing behaviour whilst controlling calories and WSC intake.
Avoid feeding cereals or cereal based feeds, opt for a balancer or if additional calories are required look for a high oil, high digestible fibre, low starch and sugar option.
Provide daily vitamins and minerals to balance the diet, an appropriate feed balancer is ideal for this purpose.
Don’t over-rug overweight horses and ponies especially if they are natives or unclipped. Let them burn calories to keep warm.

For free advice on how to help keep your horse safe from laminitis ring the SPILLERS® Care-Line advisor on + 44 (0)1908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com

Studies

1 Luthersson N, Mannfalk M, Parkin TDH, Harris P, Laminitis: Risk factors and outcome in a group of Danish horses, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2016), doi: 10.1016/ j.jevs.2016.03.006.

2 Menzies-Gow N.J, Harris P.A. , Potter K. and Elliott J. (2016) Prospective cohort study evaluating risk factors for the development of pasture-associated laminitis in the UK EVJ Version of Record online: 25 AUG 2016 | DOI: 10.1111/evj.12606