Bright green grass is one of the signs of spring, but all that green is also a red flag for hoof-care professionals. It means it’s time to remind your clients of an increased danger of certain forms of laminitis, as well as keeping an eye peeled for the early warning signs of the disease.
Researchers Study Hoof Management in New Zealand Sport Horses
One-third of New Zealand sport horse owners had a farrier perform therapeutic work during the previous year, according to a Massey University-based study that was published in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
Cushing’s disease, or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), occurs primarily in older horses — those in their mid to late teens and early 20s — but the disease has been documented in horses as young as 10 years old. Approximately one in seven horses will be diagnosed with PPID, so a working knowledge of signs indicative of the disease is useful for your clients.
Horses are at increased risk for laminitis when grass begins to grow in the spring, providing abundant forage that is high in moisture and carbohydrates but low in fiber. Autumn is also a high-risk time for grazing horses for a somewhat different reason.
Fall, with its dry pastures and brown grass, is a season most people don’t associate with laminitis. But, what many owners don’t realize is that the autumn brings higher rates of the disease as well, particularly for horses that are already at risk.
Senior horses may have multiple issues that affect trimming and shoeing strategies, from old injuries to arthritis that limit range of movement or the ability to hold up a hind leg. But the one condition that can most frustrate the owner-vet-farrier team is Cushing’s disease.
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.