Top Causes Of Laminitis

As a horse owner or horse caretaker, it is very important to understand the causes of laminitis so we can do our best to avoid it. Laminitis is an extremely painful condition of the hoof that can affect any horse. If not caught early and treated correctly, it can lead to founder and ultimately death of the horse. It is one of the leading causes of death among horses, and many times the death has to come at the hands of the horse owner, who is forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to put the horse down.

If we educate ourselves we can protect our horses. Education is key. No horse is immune to laminitis and all the horrors it can bring. Many horse owners mistakeingly believe that certain breeds cannot contract it. This is wrong. There is no breed or horse that cannot get it. While certain breeds and types of horses are certainly more prone to it, all horses can fall prey to laminitis. If we understand the causes of laminitis, we can up the odds to avoid it all together. If we can recognize laminitis symptoms, we can catch it in the early stages to give our horses the best chance of a full recovery. If we know how to manage our horses properly through smart horsekeeping, we can save our horses.

Top Causes of Laminitis

• Grazing on too much rich, lush, spring grass
• Being fed grass clippings
• Eating too much grain
• Being overweight
• Working too long on hard surfaces
• Drinking too much water while hot from exercise
• Cresty necks
• Certain breeds
• Retaining afterbirth after foaling
• Stress
• Body infections
• Cushings Disease
• The horse repeatedly pounding his feet
• Prolonged standing

As you can see, there are many different causes of laminitis. It could seem overwhelming to a horse owner to try to avoid the many causes listed above. But through smart horse management, many of these causes can be avoided altogether. Many horse owners know how to take are of a horse, but they might not realize why they do what they do. For example, a horse owner knows not to give their horse too much water when hot from exercise, but do they know why? That is where education comes in. The proper way to take care of a horse can and will become second nature. It will make sense for that same horse owner to not give in and offer too much water to their hot horse. It will not seem "mean" to withhold water until the horse cools down. It will make sense.

Learn causes of laminitis to help your horse stay happy, healthy and sound. You can find a Laminitis Cure if you educate yourself on this disease.