Avoiding Laminitis

Equus has produced a great 10 point guide to avoiding this horrendous hoof disease in horses. It's in the latest edition for April...
If feeding concentrates:
1). Match the horse's diet to his energy needs. Feed only as much high energy concentrate as required.
2). If extra energy is required or the horse is losing weight feed oats or a low-starch commercial mix fortified with a couple of cups of veggie oil.
3). If you correct his diet, do so gradually so as to reduce any chances of digestive distress.
4). Prevent bingeing by keeping feeds secure and out of the way. Horse proof feed bins are ideal.

Grazing:
5). Limits access to lush grass. Limit any grazing with newly turned-out horses to 15 minutes a day and gradually build up to the desired turn out over the next few weeks. If you have a laminitis susceptible horse or one that has already suffered, consider muzzling him if you turn him out on lush grass.
6). Offer quality grass hay that has been tested for starch & sugar. Avoid clover and alfalfa for susceptible horses.

Health Care:
7). Prevent systemic illness through regular worming, vaccinations and good general health maintenance.

Hooves:
8). Have hooves trimmed regularly.
9). If you have a lame horse then support his opposite good foot as well as his problem foot to reduce the chance of mechanical laminitis.
10). Avoid long gallops over very hard ground which can subject hooves to excessive and damaging concussion.
(courtesy of Equus April 2007)