Overweight horses and ponies that develop laminitis tend to have more severe signs than those of optimal weight, according to a new study by the British Equine Veterinary Association, which documented about 107 cases over the period of four years. About 83 percent of the cases were overweight. “When laminitis does occur, overweight animals are more likely to die of the disease than their thinner counterparts,” said Celia Marr, BVMS, Ph.D., principal investigator and veterinary surgeon. “The animals with the best outcome tended to be those that had received acepromazine, a drug that improves the blood supply to the feet and relaxes the animal. Horse owners and vets are encouraged to ensure that horses and ponies are not allowed to become excessively fat as this can have a significant effect on their health, as we have seen in this study.” The study was sponsored by the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation and Merial of Duluth, Ga. <HOME> Overweight horses and ponies that develop laminitis tend to have more severe signs than those of optimal weight, according to a new study by the British Equine Veterinary Association, which documented about 107 cases over the period of four years. Overweight horses and ponies that develop laminitis tend to have more severe signs than those of optimal weight, according to a new study by the British Equine Veterinary Association, which documented about 107 cases over the period of four years. laminitis, equine laminitis, obese Horses, British Equine Veterinary Association, overweight animals
