• Percussion - effect of riding/jumping on hard ground.
   
• Infection - e.g. post-parturition.
   
• Use of steroids - thought to make the gut wall more permeable to the toxins which cause laminitis.
   
• Undigested sugars and starches passing into the hind-gut of the horse.

Laminitis is frequently caused by undigested sugars and starches passing into the hind-gut of the horse, where they are broken down by bacteria to lactic acid. This increases the acidity in the hind-gut, suppressing the fibre-digesting bacteria. Other species (Streptococcus, Salmonella, E. Coli etc) proliferate; it is thought that they produce toxins which pass into the bloodstream. When they reach the hooves, these toxins interfere with the membrane connecting the hoof to the pedal bone, causing laminitis.
 
Fast-growing lush grass produces large amounts of sugars, especially on bright sunny days. Unused sugars are stored as Fructans, especially if the grass is stressed because of cold or drought. Fructans are very sweet, and make grass extremely palatable. They cannot be digested in the horse’s small intestine and so pass into the hind-gut where they are readily broken down to lactic acid. Susceptible horses should ideally graze at night and only be allowed hay or straw during the day. Grazing muzzles can also be helpful.
 
Horses have traditionally been fed on starchy products such as oats, barley, maize, etc. Many modern proprietary feeds also have a substantial starch and sugar content. Some horses, and more especially ponies, are unable to cope, especially if they have managed to raid the feed-store. The consequent hind-gut overload may trigger LAMINITIS or COLIC.
 
By combining feeds with long fibre such as chopped straw or alfalfa it is possible to slow the rate of passage of feed through the small intestine and so ensure maximum digestion of the soluble nutrients. Replacing starchy ingredients with high quality vegetable oils and proteins, and good quality digestible fibre greatly reduces the likelihood of excess starch and sugar reaching the hind-gut. Probiotic supplements or yeast can boost the beneficial bacteria in the hind-gut, and inhibit colonisation by harmful species. Visit the PRODUCTS pages to see which HORSEHEATH products might be suitable.

This Pony Mare was in foal to one of Anne Smalley’s stallions. It developed severe laminitis seven months before foaling, looked like a toast-rack and was written off by its vet. Its owner was referred to John Chapman for advice, as a result of which it reared a healthy colt foal and made a full recovery.
Veterinary Medicines regulations prohibit publication of the pony's diet.

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