Laminitis worry......

[Jillybean]

Probably me just being paranoid but how much rich grass would a native type pony have to eat before laminitis develops? Iknow its different for each horse but does anyone know roughly??
The field i keep my highland in is pretty poor, lots of weeds, little decent grass so i graze him in-hand a couple of times a week on rich grass for maybe 20mins at a time. Am i just being overly paranoid and daft or is there a chance he could develop it from this?

[Mehitabel]

i'm afraid it really varies. we have one little welsh a who gets it from just looking at anything green, he has to be kept stabled and on completely bare turnout all spring and summer. on the other hand, we have some natives who live out happily all year round. keep an eye on his weight - he'd have to be pretty sensitive to get laminitis from 20 minutes twice a week, but it is possible.

[kaykell7]

hey jilly if hes anything like molly hew ill out on weight with just the smell of fresh grass but she has been on fairly rich grass for limited periods and been fine but fat!! she to know spends most of her time on poor quality grazing. its better to be safe than sorry:)

[measles]

i know what its like to be paranoid about Laminitis and you are right to be. Nobody can ever be too paranoid about Laminitis.
The best thing you could do is to learn how to feel your ponies digital pulse. This is where the first signs of a laminitis attack can be seen ( or felt as the case may be).
Press your two first fingers against the inside of the bulb of his ankle - front legs are easiest. (Cup your hand around the back) You will always be able to feel the weekest of pulses - this is the blood being pumped around, but learn how this feels.
If he is starting with an attack of Laminitis his pulse will increase - not in speed but in strength. You will be able to feel it a lot easier. This is because the blood is having to be pumped to the hoof more.
If you feel an incease in this pulse then it is a sign that maybe your pony has had a bit to much to eat. Subject to there being no other signs, i.e heat in the feet or swapping the weight between the two front legs you will have noticed the attack relativly early preventing any severe damage.
I check my ponies pulses every morning and every evening before and after going out to grass. This is now a habit and it takes only 5 seconds once you know what your looking for. Better safe than sorry.