What can trigger laminitis in horses?

Sudden dietary changes can trigger laminitis in horses because they can cause an abrupt alteration in the horse's digestive system, particularly affecting the fermentative activity in the intestines. When a horse experiences significant shifts in diet, such as the introduction of high-starch grains, rich pasture, or sudden increases in carbohydrates, it can lead to an overload of sugars in the digestive tract. This can result in an overproduction of lactic acid and disrupt the normal bacterial balance, which may, in turn, trigger an inflammatory response in the laminae of the hoof. This condition, known as laminitis, can cause pain and compromise the horse’s ability to bear weight, making it a serious concern for equine health.

Understanding the importance of gradual dietary changes and introducing new feeds slowly can help prevent these dramatic shifts that put horses at risk for laminitis.