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Pasture-associated laminitis.
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. geor@cvm.msu.edu
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Pasture-associated laminitis in horses is linked to equine metabolic syndrome and high nonstructural carbohydrate forage. Management involves mitigating metabolic issues and controlling pasture grazing to prevent this painful condition.
Area of Science:
- Equine Health
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Laminitis is a significant cause of pain and disability in horses, impacting welfare and economics.
- Pasture-associated laminitis is prevalent, often occurring in horses grazing on pasture.
- The condition arises from a complex interplay between individual horse factors and environmental triggers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the contributing factors to pasture-associated laminitis in horses.
- To identify key risk elements for laminitis development in grazing horses.
- To outline strategies for preventing pasture-associated laminitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of anecdotal observations and survey data on laminitis occurrence.
- Analysis of the interaction between animal predisposing factors and environmental conditions.
- Identification of nonstructural carbohydrate content in pasture forage as a critical factor.
Main Results:
- Most laminitis cases are associated with horses kept on pasture.
- Equine metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance and obesity) is a major predisposing factor.
- High nonstructural carbohydrate content in pasture forage triggers laminitis in susceptible horses.
Conclusions:
- Preventing pasture-associated laminitis requires addressing both the animal's metabolic status and environmental forage conditions.
- Mitigating insulin resistance and obesity in high-risk horses is crucial.
- Implementing dietary and grazing management strategies minimizes exposure to laminitis-inducing factors.
