The classic image that springs to mind of the typical laminitic, is a pony that has been allowed to graze freely in a lush spring grass paddock; or alternatively, of a horse that has broken into the feed room and gorged itself on grain.

While it is absolutely true that an overload of carbohydrate-rich feed is the most common cause of equine laminitis, there can also be several other culprits behind the disease. Of these, the other frequent cause of laminitis is overworking an unfit horse or pony.

The triggers

Toxic overload is a less common trigger of laminitis, but there are numerous ways that this could happen. It may occur as a result of digestive disturbances (colic or enteritis); chemical or pesticide ingestion (be especially cautious of allowing your horse to graze in border spaces that may have been sprayed by farmers or council workers); drug reaction; hormonal imbalance (e.g. Cushing’s disease); broodmares with retained placenta; or because of toxaemia created by extreme fever.

A cause that occurs periodically overseas is using walnut shavings as bedding (this can trigger severe laminitis overnight, even on bedding that contains only a 20% concentration of black walnut shavings), but that scenario is unlikely to occur in South Africa as walnuts are not a major commercial crop here.

Nonetheless, it is worthwhile taking note that juglone – the chemical constituent of black walnut responsible for triggering laminitis – is rapidly and dangerously absorbed through the hoof capsule and into the horse’s system. So, if you cannot otherwise identify the cause of your horse’s laminitis, it may be prudent to check with your shavings supplier which chemicals the wood may have been treated with during processing. And if so, find out more about their potential absorption and toxicity.

Laminitis is essentially a metabolic disease. It can range from being quite sudden and extremely severe (acute), or fairly mild and ongoing (chronic). Either way, there are herbs that will help provide laminitics with the support they need to recover from an attack, or can be used as part of a maintenance programme to help prevent a reoccurrence.

Herbs in their diet

Because laminitics need to be kept on a very restricted diet, they can be quite susceptible to malnutrition. It is a good precaution to include herbs that are rich in a variety of ­vital minerals and vitamins in their diet. These herbs include Kelp, Nettle, Dandelion, Rosehips, Comfrey and Clivers.

Increasing circulation is one of the primary treatments for laminitis, as it will help reduce the severity of an attack, significantly speed recovery rate and can even help to prevent a mild attack. Recommended circulatory stimulant herbs include Hawthorn, Rosehips, Nettle and Comfrey.

Other first-line herbs to choose for a horse that has acute laminitis, are the anti-inflam­matories, and these would include Devil’s Claw, Calendula petals and Meadowsweet. These herbs would also be useful to include in a preventative blend, especially before and during a time that may be particularly stressful, such as changing yards.

In addition to the herbs mentioned above, for horses that have laminitis as a result of toxic overload, Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum) is an absolute essential, as it is the supreme liver protectant and regenerator. This herb is most effective when given in combination with dandelion, which will assist in the process of eliminating toxic substances from the body.

Milk Thistle seed should be given in a ground form, as the tough outer shell of the seed is virtually indigestible. It should ideally be given for a minimum period of 4-6 weeks. The recommended dosage for a pony is 5-10 grams daily, and horses should have 10-15 grams daily.