The role of nutrition in the prevention and management of laminitis.

Background: Dietary control has been established as a keystone in preventing and managing equine laminitis, a debilitating disease of the hoof laminar tissues typically caused by obesity and insulin dysregulation. In susceptible horses, overconsumption of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) typically from lush pastures or grain feeds can produce chronic hyperinsulinemia and thereby initiate episodes of laminitis. This case study assesses the efficacy of intensive nutritional management in preventing recurrence of laminitis in an Arabian mare with a history of two previous moderate-grade laminitis episodes. Methods: Clinical and metabolic parameters were obtained for ۹۰ days on a ۱۲-year-old Arabian mare with a diagnosis of insulin-associated laminitis. Measurements included weekly body weight, fasting blood concentrations (insulin, glucose, triglycerides), and Obel lameness scoring on a standard scale. The feeding strategy implemented was: low-NSC (<۱۰%) fodder, severe restriction of grazing using a muzzle, supplementing minerals (magnesium oxide and chromium yeast), and fat-based energy supplementation using canola oil.  Results: From the intervention duration, dietary control led to weight loss of approximately ۲۵ kg, lameness score improvement from Obel grade ۲ to ۰–۱, and decrease in fasting insulin from ۳۵ μIU/mL to ۲۰ μIU/mL. Synthesis of literature confirmed that reduction in NSC intake and limited pasture access are the pillars of preventive interventions against laminitis, and minerals such as magnesium and chromium can be added to insulin control. Conclusion: Accurate nutritional control in Arabian horses with insulin dysregulation significantly improves metabolic outcomes and minimizes laminitis recurrence risk. This case illustrates an evidence-based approach where dietary precision preserves hoof integrity and long-term soundness.

کلیدواژه ها:

Laminitis ، Equine nutrition ، Arabian horse ، Insulin dysregulation ، Neutral carbohydrate management ، Non-structural carbohydrates