What is grain overload?
So what happens when horses eat too much?
Laminitis is also a common cause of overfeeding or an excessive amount of lush forage.
Laminitis results from the disruption (constant, intermittent or short-term) of blood flow to the sensitive and insensitive laminae. These laminae structures within the foot secure the coffin bone (the wedge-shaped bone within the foot) to the hoof wall. Inflammation often permanently weakens the laminae and interferes with the wall/bone bond. In severe cases, the bone and the hoof wall can separate. In these situations, the coffin bone may rotate within the foot, be displaced downward (“sink”) and eventually penetrate the sole. Laminitis can affect one or all feet, but it is most often seen in the front feet concurrently.
The terms “laminitis” and “founder” are used interchangeably. However, founder usually refers to a chronic (long-term) condition associated with rotation of the coffin bone, whereas acute laminitis refers to symptoms associated with a sudden initial attack, including pain and inflammation of the laminae.
For more information on Laminitis click here
Temperature (99-101°F is a normal temp range) – Diarrhea
Healthy gums are pink and moist (Purple gums are a sign of endotoxemia) – Laminitis( Signs of founder include: increased digital pulse in feet, rocking back on the hind end, reluctant to move, sore on feet)
Treatment for grain overload may include:
- Dietary restrictions
- Laxatives
- Mineral Oil
- Fluids
- Anti-inflammatories