Laminitus Supplements

[shandy84]

Are they any good as a preventative measure?
Do they work?
Are there any good makes?
Any sucess stories?

Cheers

[ladyrose]

I have heard some very good things about NAF laminaze and also dengie hi-fi lite (not exactly a supplement, but still related . . . kind of :rolleyes:)

[Bebe]

Recent research has shown that a deficiency in Magnesium can be a factor in some types of laminitics, so supplementing with Magnesium could help. Rockies make a product called Laminshield which you can get in a block or powder form which Bebe seems to like, or you can buy feed grade MagOx or CalMag from some Agricultural Merchants.

Yea-Sacc is meant to be good as a general supplement but especially so for laminitics.

[CarolineR]

This could be a complex question depending on circumstances. My Boy had a very mild bout 2 years ago when we moved, after a particually short trim and being caught out by a late frost.

Whilst in recovery - box rest 1 mth, NO TURN OUT NO WALKING OUT imperative. He was fed low quality hay, spillers Happy Hoof, Top Spec. Com supplement moisten with unmollassed sugar beet.

Happy hoof and Top Spec fed for about another month after this bout also.

Then changed to what he has a normal diet now, Dengie Hi Fi 1 scoop, Garlic, Top Spec.com and unmolassed sugar beet, this his fed once a day during the winter months.

Now the grass is better he is only fed Top Spec Anti Lam in the filed by hand as no other feed is required.

He has since the first and only bout been on 24/7 turnout out, except in extreme weather conditions with no reoccurance of the problems. I keep a very careful eye on his weight and he is never fed any form of hard feed or carbohydrates or anything with a lot of molasses in.

It really depends on your horse, regime and exercise routine also why asking the question. If looking for preventative measures or recovery measures going forward?

If preventative, keep the weight off them and do not overfeed its surprising how little feed they actually require if fed on good roughage and an all round supplement.

[shandy84]

I have a New Forest 18mth old filly,she is underweight at the moment but she will be going into a field which is very rich. She has not had laminitis before but I know it can affect pony breeds and am trying my best to avoid her coming down with it. They will be on 24/7 turnout throughout the summer months.

I have sectioned the field into two and they will be put on the lower side to begin with. The field is just under an acre in total. I have also purchased her a grazing mask from Dinkyrugs as it is the only one I have found that will fit her, we hope to be able to take it off after the grass has become lower. I can feed ad lib hay within reason (as my other mare will gorge hay)

We are hoping to start walking her out over the summer - that's all the work she can really do at the moment.

At the moment she is on a scoop of Mollichaff, and a scoop of stud mix and garlic, we have poor grazing - mud really - at the moment so I know we will have to cut down if not do away with her feed. Ideally I just wanted a supplement if there is one that I can give her to make her think she has had a feed and also to help avoid getting laminitis.

Would I be better to change the mollichaff back to hi-fi which they were on up until last month as I couldn't get any last time? Any suggestions on changes to feeding? I wasn't sure if as she's only a baby she would get all the vitamins she needs if I take away the stud mix?

Any help would be wonderful - at least if I know what's best to do by her I know I have done all I can within reason if she were to get it and it was nothing that could have been avoided.

[CarolineR]

I would definately chnage back to Hi Fi - also you could call one of the feed manufactuers as they are very helpful and will be able to offer you guidance for your baby.

But from what you say you are doing all the right things now.

[Zingy]

I normally feed Benj various things as a preventative measure. I cut his feed down to an absolute minimum (literally a small handful), just enough to get the supplements in, then I add probiotics and a herbal supplement to increase circulation. My theory is that this lessens the chance of having toxins in the gut in the first place, and increasing the circulation improves blood supply to the feet, therefore reducing the risk of toxins collecting there.

He's also on restricted grazing which if I am increasing he only has access to at night initially until it is grazed down. If I need to restrict it further I turnout in a bridle (never seen a muzzle I don't think he could get off), as the bit reduces his eating capacity! He's also exercised as much as possible, even if it's just a case of encouraging him to gallop round the field. It's not necessary to work them, just encourage them to be active so that they use up some energy, stay fit and keep their weight down.

Don't know if it works, but I haven't had any problems with laminitis up to now (touch wood!).

[shandy84]

A bridle that's a really good idea! If she proves to be a houdini I may use that method for a while :) I will e-mail baileys tobnight and see what they suggest about the vitamins etc and will buy hi fi next time round - even if I have to go to Suffolk to get it!!!!

I don't have the option of keeping her in unfortunatly otherwise that would be one other thing I would do. I will look into all the supplements and remedies you all have suggested thanks for being so helpful! :D

[Zingy]

Shandy, just a few hints if you do use a bridle - buy a tatty old second hand leather one that will break easily if it has to, and watch the corners of their mouth as they can get a bit sore. I normally use a nylon/ rubber mullen mouth or straight bar snaffle and put vaseline on the corners of his mouth to stop any soreness.

[shandy84]

Thanks for that I have a very worn out bridle from my other girl so if we have to resort to that then i'll use that one and thanks for the tip of the vasaline :) she has a straight bar normally so that shouldn't be a problem.