Spring has well and truly arrived here in Gippsland and with it comes the inevitable (and usually preventable) rash of ponies developing laminitis.

Let’s have a look at early detection, emergency treatment, prevention and treatment of this most heart-breaking of diseases.

The most common signs of laminitis are: a pounding pulse in the artery either side of the fetlock, pain in the feet and lameness, constant weight shifting between feet, heat in the hooves, frequent lying down and a reluctance to move, the classic "founder stance" where the horse stands with their front feet extended bearing weight on the heels.

Laminitis is an EMERGENCY!!! If your horse is exhibiting these signs...