BVA AWF funded study has found more evidence of the harmful effects of obesity in horses and ponies.
|
BVA Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) and Merial Animal Health Ltd have sponsored a major study examining the factors that affect the likelihood of recovery from laminitis, a painful and debilitating condition that affects the feet of horses and ponies.
Over the last four years, members of British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) have been documenting cases and the study has shown that overweight animals that develop laminitis tend to have more severe signs than those of optimal weight.
Reporting on the study conclusions the principle investigator and veterinary surgeon, Celia Marr, said “When laminitis does occur, overweight animals are more likely to die of the disease than their thinner counterparts. |
|
 | 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.”
Speaking on behalf of the BVA AWF, the Chairman, Carl Padgett, said “A key part of our activities, as the veterinary profession’s own animal welfare charity, is to fund academic research which will have a positive and practical impact on animal welfare. We were therefore delighted to support this study in recognition of the devastating effects that laminitis has on horse welfare.”
|
