THE enjoyable spring conditions we are currently experiencing often bring their own set of animal health problems.
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In horses and ponies that can mean laminitis, an inflammation of the hoof wall, and commonly known as founder.
Overweight ponies grazing lush spring pastures are typically affected, but any horse can suffer from this disease.
Founder can also follow engorgement of grain or sometimes infections of the womb after foaling. It is a common and painful disease that affects horses’ and ponies’ feet and the damage can be so severe the animal may be permanently lame or require euthanasia.
A horse with founder will experience pain in the hooves particularly in the front legs. As a result, the horse will be reluctant to move and assume a “saw horse stance”, which is standing with his front legs extended.
Prompt veterinary treatment is required when a horse has foundered.
The veterinarian will treat the underlying cause and give anti-inflammatory’s to help treat the pain the horse is experiencing.
In some cases a horse will develop hoof deformities and often require corrective trimming and shoeing of their hooves.
As always, prevention is far better than cure and processes should be put in place to prevent foundering, particularly in those ponies that are prone to the disease.
Some ponies founder easily and their feed intake needs to be significantly restricted during spring; these ponies need to be carefully monitored during this time.
For advice contact your local veterinarian or Department of Environment and Primary Industries Veterinary or Animal Health Officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.