Fatty in the Paddock? Laminitis Prevention Starts Now!
Unfortunately, Laminitis season is already here. You may think its too early however with the warm weather we have clients horses already suffering.
Once Laminitis occurs, depending on the severity, it can be a death sentence for many horses. If they are lucky and dont have a catastrophic hoof failure, then rehabilitation is possible, however prevention is far preferable. Rehab takes dedication and a lot of time and expense, and for some horses, a full recovery may never be possible.
4 STEPS TO PREVENT LAMINITIS
STEP 1 - Maintain a healthy body condition score – Get familiar with where your horse sits on the Henneke scale and monitor them closely over the next few months. They should sit between 4-6 (out of 9). This means that you should be able to feel the ribs and there should be no obvious fat deposits on the crest, shoulders or tail head.
Photo Insert: Regions to keep an eye on to determine body condition.
STEP 3 - Diet – Reduce Iron intake, limit sugars and balance the mineral profile.
It is, essentially, that easy! But we know that sometimes these steps can be difficult to put in place and with all the conflicting info out there it can be hard to know where to start!
Missy’s Bucket Range of feed supplements provides essential nutritional support for Laminitis recovery and prevention.
Insulin Resistance is the most common cause of Laminitis and Minerals play an important role. A mineral balanced diet is crucial in promoting healthy insulin levels and optimal recovery from Laminitis.
Missy’s Bucket supports horses through Laminitis by providing the minerals, vitamins and antioxidants often deficient in pasture and hay diets.
Targeted ingredients promote antioxidant defences, balanced immune and thyroid function, normal glucose metabolism, healthy nerve and muscle function, and proper insulin sensitivity.
-
Zinc supports antioxidant activity and healthy insulin sensitivity. In humans and rats, Zinc deficiency has been associated with IR and type 2 diabetes.
-
Copper provides antioxidant properties; low levels cause IR in rat studies.
-
Selenium supports balanced immune function, antioxidant defences and thyroid function.
-
Iodine promotes healthy thyroid function which is required for insulin sensitivity.
-
Magnesium maintains healthy cellular insulin receptor numbers and supports insulin responsiveness, its link with IR has been well established in humans for decades. Magnesium deficiency can worsen IR and make it harder to control and adequate levels have a protective effect.
- Amino acids support immune function, muscle and hoof growth
Dietary management including optimal mineral balancing forms the keystone of Laminitis prevention, management and recovery. Along with a low sugar diet, excellent hoof care and an appropriate exercise program, Missy’s Bucket provides the commonly lacking and crucial vitamin and mineral additions for Laminitis support and prevention.
Find out more about the Missy's Bucket products here.