How A Starch Overload May Cause Laminitis

Douglas Weiss has found excessive starch that ferments in the horse’s intestine releases toxic byproducts and also increases the permeability of the intestine, which allows these toxins to enter the bloodstream. The University of Minnesota researcher says the starch increases the space between cells in the intestinal wall. This allows large molecules that would normally be contained in the intestine to carry toxins to the bloodstream and may result in laminitis.

Weiss recognizes that laminitis is a complicated disease and isn’t stating that starch is the key to solving the problem. But if toxins never left the intestines, he says laminitis might not occur.

Deducting The Full Cost Of Your Health Care

The federal Tax and Trade Relief Extension Act allows a self-employed farrier to deduct 60 percent of health insurance premiums from 1999 to 2001. That increases to 70 percent in 2002 and your health premiums will be 100 percent deductible starting in 2003.

But by utilizing a Section 105 program, the Internal Revenue Service allows you to hire a spouse who is active in the business and offer them a medical benefits package that will allow them to deduct 100 percent of the family’s health and dental premiums this year. This includes long-term care insurances along with uninsured medical, dental and vision care expenses for an eligible employee and family members. It also includes life and disability income insurance premiums for the eligible employee. Check with your accountant for full details.