Once a horse has received an overdose of carbohydrate (starch), whether from getting in the feed room, pigging out on rich pasture he isn’t used to, or receiving an intentional overdose in the laboratory, laminitis is almost inevitable. Ice water baths have been shown to be effective, but keeping a horse standing in a tub for two to three days is challenging, to say the least. One strategy that might offer promise, and ease of use, is feeding a buffering solution to such at-risk horses.

Adriana Souza, DVM, MS, of the University of Brazil, discussed a study completed in conjunction with Louisiana State University regarding this treatment and its principles at the 52nd annual American Association of Equine Practitioners convention, held in San Antonio, Texas.

The principle behind using a buffer solution to stave off laminitis is based on acidity of the equine gut and its effects on enzyme activity. When a horse gets an overload of carbohydrate, the acidity in his gut increases dramatically due to fermentation of the carbohydrate, and his gut becomes more permeable. This allows toxic laminitis triggering factors to get into the bloodstream. From there, they reach the feet, increasing the activity of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs.

When MMPs are too active in the feet, they break down a layer of connective tissue called the basement membrane. This membrane normally helps anchor the hoof to the coffin bone; breakdown of the BM is a significant part of the laminitis process. (For more information, see www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10856