When most people think about laminitis, they picture lush, green spring grass. However, the current conditions across the UK are proving that laminitis isn’t just a springtime problem.
Although our “green and pleasant land” is looking anything but green at the moment, we’ve seen an increase in laminitis cases over the past few weeks. The prolonged spell of higher-than-normal temperatures and consistently warm ground has created ideal conditions for horses and ponies that are already at risk.
The combination of hot weather and dry conditions has left many fields with either standing, dried-off grass or what can only be described as dust bowls. Standing hay isn’t necessarily harmful in itself, but unlike hay that’s been cut and baled, it can’t be soaked to reduce its water-soluble sugar content while it’s still rooted in the ground.
At the other end of the spectrum are paddocks grazed down to almost nothing. While they may appear “safe” because there’s very little grass left, the tiny green shoots that continue to grow are often highly concentrated in fructans (plant sugars). Horses and ponies spend hours searching for every last blade, potentially consuming these high-sugar shoots throughout the day.
For horses already walking that fine line between remaining healthy and developing laminitis, these conditions can be enough to tip the balance. Native breeds, good doers, overweight horses, and those with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or PPID (Cushing’s disease) are particularly vulnerable.
A Simple Management Tip That Can Make a Big Difference
I was talking to an owner last night about how to manage horses that are very good doers in these conditions. Like many owners, they turn their horses out overnight because sugar levels in grass generally fall as the sun goes down. This is a very sensible approach.
However, there’s one simple step that many people overlook—feeding the horse before it goes out.
Think about how many of us bring horses in first thing in the morning to find a full soaked haynet still hanging in the stable because they’ve spent the entire night filling themselves up on grass instead.
The answer is actually much simpler than you might think.
Feeding a high-fibre, low-starch, low-sugar feed before turnout can help your horse feel full before it reaches the field. There are plenty of suitable products on the market, including Speedi-Beet and PuraBeet (Simple System), which make excellent soaked feeds.
People often ask how much they should feed. The simple answer is enough for the horse to genuinely feel full. A large water trug (65 litres or more) filled with soaked feed before turnout can significantly reduce the urge to gorge once they’re in the field.
Imagine how you feel after a large bowl of porridge or Weetabix. You’re far less likely to head straight for the biscuit tin. Horses are no different. If they go into the field with a full stomach, they’re likely to spend less time desperately searching for every blade of grass, helping to reduce both their sugar intake and their overall calorie consumption.
Brown Doesn’t Mean Safe
The dry appearance of a field should never be taken as an indication that the laminitis risk has disappeared. In many cases, the risk has simply changed—not reduced.
Another trend we’ve noticed this summer is the way laminitis is presenting. We’ve seen a surprising number of cases that have started in just one foot or have initially affected the hind feet.
Throughout vet school we were taught that this was an unusual presentation of laminitis, but in practice it seems to be becoming increasingly common. It’s another reminder that laminitis doesn’t always follow the textbook, and subtle or unusual signs should never be ignored.
If your horse has a history of laminitis or is considered at risk, now is an excellent time to review their management. Restrict grazing where appropriate, provide low-sugar forage, maintain a healthy body weight, and seek veterinary advice if you’re concerned. Spotting those early, subtle signs can make all the difference to your horse’s recovery.
At Little Rock Equine Vets, we’d much rather help you prevent laminitis than treat it. If you’d like advice on managing your horse’s laminitis risk during this prolonged spell of hot weather, our team is always happy to help. Give us a call on 01782 898102 and we’ll work with you to put together the best plan for your horse.