Winter Challenges for Horses with Laminitis
Winter can be a challenging time of year for horses with a past history of laminitis.
Horses who have suffered from laminitis in the past may have damaged vascular supplies in their feet. During cold periods, the horse’s body decreases blood flow to the extremities to conserve heat. In a normal horse this does not cause harm, but in a horse with a damaged vascular supply, it could limit blood flow enough to cause pain. Protect at-risk horses from exposure to severe weather with blankets and leg wraps. Provide adequate shelter and deep beds that offer insulation from the cold.