OSU Extension Service publication guides horse owners on laminitis

CORVALLIS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Now that fall has arrived, laminitis — a painful yet preventable disease commonly seen in hoofed animals — comes to the forefront of many horse owners’ minds. Oregon State University Extension Service has a guide for pasture-associated laminitis.

This free publication, titled “A Horse Owner's Guide to Pasture-associated Laminitis,” provides an overview of laminitis — inflammation of the laminar structures of the hoof — and is designed to help owners manage pasture grazing, as well as laminitis causes and symptoms.

The best cure for laminitis is prevention. Pasture grazing is both economical and mentally and physically beneficial for the horse compared to stall confinement. With careful management, horses can safely graze on pastures.

In addition to prevention considerations, co-authors Scott Duggan and Troy Downing offer guidance on nonstructural carbohydrates and their link to laminitis.

Visit https://beav.es/Gik for a free downloadable copy of the publication.

More information on OSU Extension Service resources on horses can be found at  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/horses.