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L AM I N I T I S
Veterinary Surgeon
Gemma Stokes
XLVets Equine Practice
Penbode Equine Vets
13
EQUINE MATTERS
Prevention is the focus of much of the recent research concerning laminitis. We still have a
lot to learn but this article will focus on the current thinking and tactics to aid its prevention.
It is important to be aware that any horse or pony can be at risk of laminitis. It is no longer
just a condition of fat ponies, although they are still the most commonly affected. No
owner should think that their horse is not at risk. I have treated, amongst others, shire
horses, thoroughbreds, Arabs, donkeys, mares, geldings, old and young.
Strategies to
assist in the
prevention of laminitis
The most important factor, both historically
and according to current research, is
management of the weight of our horses and
ponies. Obesity is a huge problem affecting
the equine population. As owners, we often
do our horses too well and so the amount of
weight they carry is too much. The use of
weight tapes, regular photographs, cresty
neck scores and body condition scoring
should all be used to monitor your horses.
These should be regularly recorded and then
acted upon if there is an increasing trend.
This should be started as youngsters as it
is easier to prevent equines becoming
overweight than correcting it later.
Weight management
Body condition score
• Marked ‘ewe’ neck, narrow and slack at
base • Skin tight over the ribs, which are
clearly visible • Spinous processes sharp and
easily seen • Angular pelvis, skin tight, very
sunken rump. Deep cavity under tail and either
side of croup.
0
emaciated
• ‘Ewe’ neck, narrow and slack at base
• Ribs clearly visible • Skin clearly shrunken
either side of spine. Spinous processes well
defined • Rump sunken but skin supple, pelvis
and croup well defined, cavity under tail.
1
poor
Normally ideal for a fit racehorse or eventer.
• Neck narrow but firm, shoulder blade
clearly defined • Ribs just visible • Spine well
covered. Spinous processes felt. • Rump flat
either side of spine, croup well defined, some
fat, slight cavity under tail.
2
moderate
3
good
• Slight crest on neck, wide and firm
• Ribs well covered • Gutter along spine.
Gutter to root of tail. Fat stored either side of
the spine to form slight ‘apple bottom’, with a
gutter down the middle • Pelvis covered, felt
only with firm pressure.
4
fat
• Marked crest, very wide and firm, folds of
fat. Shoulder blade buried and difficult to feel
• Ribs buried, cannot be felt • Deep gutter
along spine, back broad and flat. Deep gutter
to root of tail, producing marked apple bottom,
skin distended • Pelvis buried, cannot be felt.
5
obese
Normally ideal for most show and leisure horses
• Firm neck, no crest (except stallions), shoulder
blades defined • Ribs just covered, easily felt
• No gutter along back. Spinous processes
covered, but can be felt • Pelvis covered by fat
and rounded, no gutter, pelvis easily felt.
Gemma Stokes BVSc GPCert(EqP) MRCVS,
Penbode Equine Vets
Reproduced with the kind permission of World Horse Welfare.