As the leaves change and the air cools, many horse owners in the Lowcountry shift their focus from summer heat to winter preparation. However, the season of change brings a serious, often underestimated risk: fall laminitis in horses. At Carter Veterinary Services, we believe that education is the first step in effective preventative care. At our veterinary clinic, we are committed to helping you understand this seasonal threat so we can partner together to keep your horse healthy.
Understanding Fall Laminitis in Horses
Understanding Fall Laminitis in Horses
What Is Fall Laminitis in Horses?
Laminitis is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the tissues inside the horse's hoof, causing them to separate from the hoof wall. When the trigger is metabolic, usually tied to high insulin levels, we call it endocrinopathic laminitis. This laminitis occurs during the autumn season, typically due to the elevated sugar content in cool-weather grasses and seasonal metabolic changes.
What Causes Laminitis in Autumn?
We know that a major factor in what causes laminitis is a dangerous increase in the horse’s insulin response. In the autumn, horses experience a natural metabolic shift to prepare for colder weather, storing fat and raising insulin levels. This physiological change, coupled with a decreased exercise routine as show seasons end, creates a perfect storm for a laminitic episode in susceptible equines.
Understanding the Danger of Autumn Pasture
The cool, crisp nights of autumn are beautiful, but they signal danger for horses at risk. Colder temperatures cause the grass to hold onto its sugar content—specifically nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs). This highly concentrated sugary forage, particularly after a hard frost, can quickly trigger fall laminitis. However, you can adjust the grazing schedules to mitigate this risk.
Why High-Risk Horses Need Endocrine Testing
To create an effective management plan, we must first determine your horse’s individual risk level. Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) are most vulnerable to fall laminitis. We strongly recommend testing your animal’s endocrine status to screen for insulin dysregulation, allowing us to implement a precise, proactive management strategy before a severe episode occurs.
Limiting Nonstructural Carbohydrates in the Diet
Effective nutritional management is essential to prevent fall laminitis. We guide our clients in transitioning to a low nonstructural carbohydrate diet, focusing on tested, low-sugar hay and forage. Because a low-carb diet may not meet all vitamin and mineral needs, we often recommend incorporating a high-quality ration balancer to ensure your horse receives complete, balanced nutrition while minimizing risk factors during the season.
Strategic Turnout to Avoid Sugar Spikes
Proper turnout management is a simple yet vital defense against what causes laminitis in the field. Pasture sugar levels are generally lowest just before sunrise. We advise limiting grazing to the very early morning hours or using a grazing muzzle for shorter periods. Housing high-risk horses on a dry lot remains the safest option during times of peak pasture danger.
The Critical Role of Daily Exercise in Prevention
A decrease in activity exacerbates the metabolic shift and fat storage, heightening the risk of a severe fall laminitis in horses. We cannot overstate the importance of maintaining a consistent exercise schedule through the autumn and winter. Even a light 15- to 20-minute daily workout helps maintain metabolic function and keeps your horse’s body condition score in a healthy, safe range.
Get Support for Equine Health During Fall
At Carter Veterinary Services, our commitment is to provide the highest quality of life for your horse through compassionate and comprehensive care. By understanding the unique seasonal risks of fall laminitis and knowing what causes laminitis to flare up during this time, we empower you to take control of your horse's health. Contact us for veterinarian care or any emergency services you may need in the Lowcountry.