2016 Miniature Horse WORLD Issues Summer- E-Magazine | Page 16

L aminitis – Early Warning Signs – Q. I know Miniature horses and small ponies can be more likely to develop laminitis than their “large horse” neighbors. My mini seems fine grazing on the green grass, but how can I tell if he might be susceptible or is at risk for developing this terrible disease? 14 Miniature Horse World SUMMER 2016 There are some very clear-cut ways to see if your horse may be experiencing some “pre- laminitis” effects of being on lush grass. Although everyone talks about laminitis being a lameness disorder, we all know damage at a microscopic level is taking place long before the horse shows any lameness. Keeping your eye out for any of these nine changes can help ward off the repercussions of this devastating hoof disease.