Is Your Horse Suffering From Laminitis?

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Laminitis is one of the most aggressively painful diseases that your horse can develop. This inflammatory condition manifests in the hoof of your horse and can prove to be debilitating if not caught, and treated, in good time. Although laminitis is common in horses, it has also been known to affect other ungulates such as cattle and pigs. It is vital for horse owners to recognise the symptoms of laminitis so that they can take their equine to an animal hospital promptly for the appropriate treatment. So how can you tell if your horse is suffering from laminitis?

The horse's performance has declined

Horses usually have an agreeable temperament and will follow commands as they receive them. However, if they are suffering from laminitis and in chronic pain, you will notice a decrease in their performance, as they will be unwilling to respond to specific tasks. Some of the ways that your horse's temperament may change include a reluctance to talk a walk, refusal to engage in any jumps or conspicuously avoiding treading on hard ground. Rather than forcing your animal to follow through with your instructions, it is recommended to have them checked for laminitis at your local animal hospital.

The horse's hooves appear visibly damaged

Unless you have a racehorse, chances are you do not pay close attention to their hooves unless you are changing their horseshoes. It is essential for horse owners to be familiar with their animal's feet so that you can easily spot any changes that occur. When your horse is suffering from laminitis, there will be visible abnormalities that will develop. The most common physical trait of this disease is the change in the hoof rings from one foot to the next. Furthermore, you may also notice that there is a visible white line that is forming on your horse's feet. If you cannot account for these physical changes, a vet appointment is imperative.

The horse has developed a change in stride

As you get familiar with your horse, you will start to recognise its different walking styles ranging from a regular trot to a canter. The moment that there is an abrupt change in their normal gait, you should be wary of the onset of laminitis. Horses suffering from this disease tend to develop a short, stilted stride when walking on hard ground as they try to avoid putting their feet on the ground due to the pain they are experiencing. You may even find that your horse has developed the habit of walking around in a circle whenever the ground is hard underfoot.

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26 March 2018

Tips For Caring For Your Dog

I've owned dogs for over twenty years and even used my experience to start a dog socialisation group in my local area, as I found I was increasingly encountering poorly socialised dogs when I was out with my own dogs. I started this blog to share my personal tips and experience of looking after dogs, and I write blog posts on a range of topics, such as exercise requirements, stimulation, basic training tips and common doggy health complaints to be on the lookout for. I also post about new products I've tried, such as agility equipment, grooming products and supplements. I hope you enjoy my blog and find my posts interesting.