Not all the signs of Laminitis are obvious! Your horse doesn’t have to be standing ‘Camped under’ in the classic Founder Stance or have ‘Aladdin’ slipper feet! Some of the signs can be subtle and easily confused with other common problems.
The horse has adopted the ‘founder stance’
The horse has an elevated heart rate (above 45 beats per minute) and/or respiration rate (above 16 breaths per minute)
The horse may lie down a lot and be depressed
Not stepping out properly – goes with a shuffling gait, worse on corners or when asked to go downhill
Bounding digital pulse
Shifting weight from hoof to hoof
Difficulty holding up a hoof to be trimmed
Frequent abscessing
Seedy toe problems and hoof cracks
White line separation with flat soles
Tender on hard ground
Growth rings and dishing in the hoof wall or ‘slipper feet’
Image: Dorsal wall flare (front of hoof)
Image: White Line Separation
Signs That Your Horse Could Have Cushing’s Disease:
Laminitis occurring in the Autumn (not spring)
Lethargy
Weight loss
Muscle loss
Excessive drinking and urination
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) or failure to sweat (anhidrosis)
Development of allergies and hypersensitivities (e.g., vaccinations, flies)
Increased susceptibility to infections
Poor resistance to internal parasites
Skin darkening, often with thickening and scaling
Slow spring shedding of coat with a long, coarse & sometimes curly coat, in advanced cases there is a failure to shed completely
Infertility
Image: Classic slipper feet and thick curly coat of Cushings Disease Photo by Sandi Chiswell
Signs That Your Horse Could Have Insulin Resistance
The horse is overweight with a cresty, hard neck and other abnormal fat deposits. These may persist even after the horse loses weight.
The horse is an easy keeper and always seems to stay fat compared to other horses
Not all IR horses are overweight. In advanced cases the horse can be skinny however it will often still be cresty and have abnormal fat deposits.
History of laminitis or founder commonly induced by grass
Puffiness in the hollows above the eyes
Sheath swelling in geldings
Advanced symptoms may include increased thirst and urination
Loss of body condition and muscle wasting
Low energy levels
Image: Cresty necks don’t have to be huge, hard and obvious to indicate IR
In the next article, we will look at what happens to the hooves, both externally and internally and how this affects the horse.
For more info on Laminitis including treatment, rehab and prevention, have a look at the book ‘What is Laminitis? – A Practical, Step by Step Guide to Recovery’ written by Rebecca Scott and Zoe Messina. This is available in the shop as a PDF
‘If your horse has laminitis, this is the FIRST book you should read! A review by Linda Whitfield Cowles – Equine rehab specialist.
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 promoteantioxidant defences, balanced immune and thyroid function, normal glucose metabolism, healthy nerve and muscle function, and proper insulin sensitivity.
Zincsupports antioxidant activity and healthy insulin sensitivity. In humans and rats, Zinc deficiency has been associated with IR and type 2 diabetes.
Copperprovides antioxidant properties; low levels cause IR in rat studies.
Seleniumsupports balanced immune function, antioxidant defences and thyroid function.
Iodinepromotes healthy thyroid function which is required for insulin sensitivity.
Magnesiummaintains 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 acidssupport 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 productshere.
Discover how warm winters elevate laminitis risks in horses. Learn effective strategies to protect your horse, including dietary adjustments, pasture management, and hoof care.
Insulin resistance (IR) in horses is a common issue, particularly in breeds prone to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). During winter, when horses are less active, the risk of developing or exacerbating insulin resistance increases. Proper nutritional support is crucial in managing this condition, and Missy's Bucket products are designed to help.
Insulin resistance or equine Metabolic syndrome, is the most common cause of laminitis in horses and minerals play an important role, a mineral balance diet is crucial, in promoting healthy insulin levels and optimal recovery from laminitis.
