Hoof tightness
Hoof tightness is an inflammation of the cervical skin. The inflammation causes a painful moisture build-up between the hoof shoe and the hoof bone of horses. Causes can be all kinds of processes that greatly reduce blood and / or oxygen supply, such as toxins that circulate in the blood or overload.
Cause
Poisonous substances may arise from an excessively rich grassland, high fructan or starch content. The metabolism of horses is not adapted to the processing of many cereals. The excess of starch passes through the small intestine. The undigested starch enters the large intestine and the microbacteria in the large intestine of the horse will go to share in order to ensure food digestion. When bacteria are released, poisons release which can cause a disturbance in the fermentation process, which can lead to inflammation and even to feverishness.
Prevention
While most horse owners know that molasses and cereals contain a lot of sugar and starch, they do not realize that there may also be an excess of these substances in another part of the horse diet, such as in bran, oat, barley or corn, because These feed materials contain many NSKs (non-structural carbohydrates = starch, sugar and fructan).
In addition, it is important that overweight is prevented. Do not give unnecessary energy, an energy and protein poor concentrate. Hartog Balance and Concept best suit the ration to prevent hunger, because these products contain little starch and sugars.
Another important point to prevent congestion is the occurrence of overgrazing. The short grapevines contain a relatively high fructose content. This is due to the fact that unmatched horses grow short. The grass grows inadequately and fructans are hoping for it, so it is better not to let the horse meadow grow too much.
Treating
In case of acute needles, the ration should be adjusted immediately. The horse can NOT eat more food, only good quality roughage and water.
Follow-up treatment after the acute phase:
- Provide a diet with sufficient roughage and low feed. Hartog Lucerne mix is a high-quality roughage with very low levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (sugars and fructans) compared to hay and grass.
Also read more about Sugar in roughage.