Pony owners needed to rein in laminitis

Horse and pony owners in the north east of Scotland could help provide answers to the causes of the painful condition, pasture-associated laminitis (PAL).

A researcher at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is calling on the owners of native-breed ponies across the north east of Scotland to complete an online questionnaire about the way they manage their ponies.

As part of a collaboration between SRUC, WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute and the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute, PhD student Ashley Ward has already gathered some responses.

Ashley said: “Results from the survey so far have highlighted region-specific management practices that owners employ to manage their ponies. Such findings could inform laminitis management in the future.

“Unsurprisingly, the Scottish weather also appears to have a strong influence over how we manage our ponies.”

It is hoped the research, which is also supported by the Roland Sutton Trust and World Horse Welfare, will help to establish suitable management strategies in order to reduce the occurrence of PAL. This would provide valuable information for vets and owners and could greatly improve the welfare of horses and ponies.

Ashley is looking for the owners of Northern European native-breed ponies aged four years and over, with no previous diagnosis of PPID (equine Cushing’s disease), to take part in the study.

If you are interested in getting involved, or if you would like more information, please contact Ashley on email: projectPAL@sruc.ac.uk or telephone: 01224 711026.

Alternatively, you can complete the online survey at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ProjectPAL/

Posted by SRUC on 10/07/2020