Laminitis is one of the most debilitating conditions a horse can experience. It occurs when the tissues, or laminae, between the hoof and the coffin bone underneath, become damaged and inflamed. It causes severe lameness that makes even small movements painful. Many equestrians know about this disease, but how does it impact the equine immune system?
Laminitis affects the equine immune system by
- Creating immune responses like inflammation to protect the tissues
- Decreasing the number of white blood cells, which makes healing from the condition more difficult
- Rendering horses susceptible to disease reoccurrence
All diseases are linked to the immune system in some way as the body fights disease and this is no exception. Continue below to learn more about laminitis and how it impacts the equine immune system.
What Is The Connection Between Laminitis and the Equine Immune System?
A high-sugar diet is one of the key triggers for laminitis. Veterinary professionals recommend keeping horses prone to the disease away from sugary forage, especially if they have another condition like equine metabolic disease or Cushing’s disease.
When a laminitic horse eats sugary grass, the sugar molecules pass through the digestive system whole, eventually reaching the colon or large intestine. The small intestine cannot digest them, so they ferment in the colon. Fermentation makes the environment inside the colon too acidic, and the acid damages the intestinal lining.
Pathogens, or disease-causing molecules, enter the blood, and they find their way to the inside of the hoof. There, they cause a chain of events that separate the laminae.
Once the laminae separate, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response to ward off further pathogens and protect the already-damaged tissue.
Laminitic horses have weakened immunity and do not produce enough white blood cells to contain the infection, leading to heat and excess fluid in the area. This is what starts the pain associated with the disease. The white blood cell count also makes horses susceptible to further infection or disease reoccurrence because of leftover bacteria. The healing process is stalled and this allows abscesses to form. The more abscesses develop, the weaker the hoof becomes.
Preventing Horses From Becoming Laminitic
One of the easiest ways to prevent laminitis is to limit sugars in the horse’s diet. Fewer sugars make it difficult for the series of events that cause it to occur. Also ensure your horse maintains a healthy weight for their breed and age, as being overweight can cause them to develop conditions that make them prone to laminitis.
If your horse develops an abscess, treat it as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.
Regular farrier visits to ensure the hooves are balanced will help keep them healthy too.
Of course, strengthening the immune system is the best way to keep diseases like this away. BioPro Armour is the best choice for supporting equine immune health. Whether it’s a lazy day out in the field or time to compete in the show ring, it will keep your horse feeling their best.
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