Obese ponies face high risk from laminitis (06/05/2009)

Obese horses and ponies are more likely to die if they develop laminitis, a new study has found.

Laminitis is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the feet of horses and ponies.

It ...

Obese horses and ponies are more likely to die if they develop laminitis, a new study has found.

Laminitis is a painful and debilitating condition that affects the feet of horses and ponies.

It affects the laminae, which are the membranes that hold the bone of the foot in place.

A four-year study by the British Equine Veterinary Association has found that horses are more likely to develop severe symptoms if they are overweight.

Principal investigator Celia Marr explained: "When laminitis does occur, overweight animals are more likely to die of the disease than their thinner counterparts."

She also revealed: "The animals with the best outcome tended to be those that had received acepromazine, a drug that improves the blood supply to the feet and relaxes the animal."

Ms Marr said that owners should prevent their horses from becoming overweight as this could have a "significant effect" on their health.

The study was funded by the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation and Merial Animal Health.