[Nutritional laminitis--preventive measures for the obese horse].

Area of Science:

• Equine Nutrition
• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science

Background:

• Nutrition-induced laminitis in horses is frequently linked to high carbohydrate fermentation in the hindgut and obesity-related insulin resistance (equine metabolic syndrome).
• These two primary causes can interact, exacerbating the risk and severity of laminitis.
• Weight management is crucial for overweight horses with a history of laminitis to prevent recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline effective dietary and management strategies for weight reduction in horses prone to laminitis.
• To address the challenges of balancing energy restriction with the horse's need for chewing and behavioral well-being.
• To provide guidance on safe weight loss rates and monitoring for horses with laminitis.

Main Methods:

• Implementing controlled roughage diets (late-cut hay, hay-straw mix, grass seed straw) at 1-1.2% of ideal body weight.
• Reducing pasture grazing intake significantly or recommending complete abstention for high-risk cases.
• Incorporating regular, moderate-intensity exercise (e.g., 30-minute speedy trot daily) to improve insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure.

Main Results:

• Weight reduction diets, when managed appropriately, can help prevent laminitis recurrence.
• Adequate roughage intake (at least 1.5% of ideal body weight) is necessary to meet chewing requirements and prevent behavioral issues.
• A safe weight loss rate of 0.5-1% of body weight per week is recommended to avoid risks like hyperlipemia.
• Monitoring weight loss through regular measurements (body, neck, girth circumference) is essential for diet effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• A combination of carefully managed diet and regular exercise is key for successful weight reduction in horses with laminitis.
• Addressing both dietary triggers and metabolic factors is vital for long-term laminitis management.
• Balancing nutritional needs with behavioral requirements is essential for the horse's overall welfare during weight loss programs.