11/09/2026
Laminitis in horses and donkeys - the facts 🫏
Laminitis can have many triggers. All horses (and donkeys) are different, and different elements in your animal's day to day life can increase their risk of an episode.
It is important to take into consideration the varying factors that can lead to a laminitic flare-up 👇
⚠️ Obesity
Horses carrying extra weight have a greater risk of laminitis due to the excess weight leading to insulin dysregulation.
⚠️ Lack of exercise
Exercising helps your horse, pony or donkey's blood flow. Increased movement means increased circulation and reduces the chance of metabolic dysfunction.
⚠️ Breeds & genetics
Ponies, miniature horses, Arabians, Morgans, some Spanish breeds and many native or hardy breeds are more prone to laminitis.
⚠️ Age
Older horses have a higher risk of contracting laminitis, with many diagnoses occurring during the teen years.
⚠️ Season
Although it can flare up at any time of year, spring and autumn have the highest risk factors due to the increased NSC's (non-structural carbohydrates) present in the blooming grasses.
⚠️ Illness
A horse that has been sick, recovering from surgery, or prone to colic also has an increased risk due to immune system deregulation.
⚠️ Steroids & Cortisone
Steroids or drugs can lead to metabolic changes that affect your horse's insulin levels.
⚠️ Stress & starvation
Never starve a laminitic animal. This can cause further harm, and the metabolic change leads to added and unnecessary stress that increases the risk of laminitis and the effects if already diagnosed.
With the spring pastures blooming all around us, it is crucial that you take stock and assess the risk factors surrounding your animals and the preventative steps you can take to ensure a healthy, happy system.
See the new Lessons from Missy Laminitis Resource Library available on the Missy's Bucket website for a more detailed analysis of the risk factors and the preventative measures you can take to ensure healthy conditions and happy hooves this spring: https://www.missysbucket.com.au/pages/lessons-from-missy