Understanding Laminitis in Horses: A Case Study of Petit Belle
The Challenge of Laminitis
As summer approaches, horse owners everywhere rejoice at the prospect of longer days and warmer weather. However, for those with horses like Petit Belle, a 10-year-old polo pony, the season can usher in challenges, particularly if laminitis is a concern. This debilitating condition presents significant hurdles for equine athletes and their caregivers. Tom Gordon-Colebrooke, the proud owner of Petit Belle, shares insights from his experience managing her laminitis.
Meet Petit Belle
Petit Belle, affectionately known as Bella, is a 15.2hh thoroughbred sport horse. Purchased as a six-year-old in 2013, Bella quickly became a beloved companion and a promising polo player. However, the journey with her has not been without complications.
Initial Concerns: Upon acquiring Bella, Tom noticed she had some back issues, prompting a regimen of chiropractic care and strengthening exercises using a Pessoa training system during the winter months. Yet, the peace of mind was short-lived.
The Laminitis Diagnosis
Spring 2015 brought a significant setback when Bella developed laminitis. Tom recalls how the lush spring grass caught many owners, including himself, off guard. "She’d just come back into work, and the spring grass was catching a lot of people out that year," he notes. Initially, he suspected foot soreness from recent shoeing, with laminitis being the least likely explanation. After a process of elimination, it became evident that laminitis was the culprit.
The Impact of Laminitis
Tom embraced a proactive approach following Bella’s diagnosis, adhering strictly to the veterinarian’s recommendations. She had to take a season off from training, which posed both emotional and logistical challenges for Tom.
"Her laminitis had knock-on effects to the strength of her horn," Tom explains. This required remedial shoeing, a process that led him through four farriers before finding one who met Bella’s needs. "Ben Benson in Swalcliffe is brilliant; he straightened up the growth of the foot, which was weak and unconsolidated, and encouraged correct alignment."
Summer Management Strategies
The summer months can be particularly trying for owners of laminitis-prone horses. Tom describes it as a "bit of a nightmare" to manage Bella during this season. “You can’t relax at any point in terms of her grazing routine,” he affirms. Each day involves careful monitoring of her grazing duration, the grass length, and whether she requires a muzzle.
Grazing Restrictions: Bella is placed on a strict dietary regimen, confined to her own ‘starvation’ paddock to prevent excessive grazing. All hard feed was eliminated initially, and haynets were meticulously weighed to control her calorie and sugar intake.
Tailored Nutrition
Once the immediate crisis had passed, Bella’s nutrition was gradually adjusted. Tom introduced a carefully curated selection of feeds, including:
- Dengie Healthy Hooves
- Saracen’s Re-Leve
- Equi-Jewel
- Essential Balancer (a nutrient-rich option low in sugar)
On veterinary advice, Tom also added Equitop Myoplast to help Bella rebuild muscle mass.
Furthermore, during her remedial farriery treatment, Tom incorporated Farriers Favourite into Bella’s diet and applied eucalyptus oil to her hooves daily to promote hoof health. To support her detox process, Bella receives Zeolite, a natural supplement designed to bind and eliminate toxins from her system.
Year-Round Vigilance
Tom and Bella’s journey doesn’t end with summer. Vigilance is a year-round commitment. “Even in the winter, we need to keep an eye on her,” Tom states. Bella can be quite resourceful, occasionally getting her muzzle off, leading Tom to check her hooves daily. If he ever detects warmth in her hooves, she is immediately brought indoors and placed on dry hay.
“It’s a constant battle with laminitis — it’s always there," Tom concludes, acknowledging the dedicated effort it takes to provide Bella with a comfortable, healthy life. “This season Bella is the best in my string. She has problems, but she’s worth it.”
Caring for a horse with laminitis requires patience, dedication, and a keen sense of awareness. For those navigating similar circumstances, the journey may be as challenging as it is rewarding. Always consult your vet if you have concerns about your horse’s health, especially during the hot summer months when laminitis may become a pressing issue.