BHS Welfare urges horse owners to take precautions to help
prevent Laminitis
The BHS Welfare Department has called on all horse owners
to help in the fight against Laminitis.
Laminitis is a serious and very painful condition that can
affect any type of horse, pony or donkey at any time and is
particularly common at this time of year when spring grass
is coming through.
Helen Owens, the BHS's Welfare Senior Executive, said: "Preventing
Laminitis is always better than trying to manage it. Overweight
animals are thought to be one of the groups at highest risk
of developing Laminitis. Therefore a management regime which
includes diet and weight control is essential."
Spring grass is often high in nutrients and grows rapidly.
Therefore grazing may need to be restricted at this time.
It is difficult for owners to estimate the volume of grass
their horses ingest and, quite often, it is more than required
which may result in bloating and weight problems. This in
turn could increase the risk of the onset of Laminitis.
Prompt action may help reduce the severity of this painful
condition. If owners suspect their horse, pony or donkey may
be suffering with Laminitis, they should contact their veterinary
surgeon immediately.
For a free advisory leaflet about the Prevention and Management
of Laminitis, please send an SAE to the BHS Welfare Department
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