Obesity in domesticated horses is a growing problem, Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, and equine nutritionist at North Carolina State University, told the American Farriers Journal last week. One primary concern is that obesity can increase a horse's chance of developing laminitis, the potentially deadly inflammation of sensitive layers of tissue (laminae) inside the hoof.
Pratt-Phillips explains that fatty tissue is an inflammatory organ, which produces compounds that lead to inflammation in multiple different parts of the body. Those compounds can negatively affect the vasculature within the laminae, increasing the possibility for laminitis.
In addition, excess weight can have a negative effect on the horse's overall hoof health.
“Proper blood circulation is partly attributed to the compression and expansion of the digital cushion within the hoof,” Pratt-Phillips writes. “If a horse is carrying excess weight, the digital cushion's function may be compromised, resulting in poor blood circulation and laminitis.”
Of course, more weight can also cause strain on the hoof wall as it expands to absorb the concussion of a horse's movement.
“Over time, obesity may disrupt the integrity of the hoof wall, resulting in cracking or crumbling hooves,” wrote Pratt-Phillips.
Read more at the American Farriers Journal.
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