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Petplan Equine, the UK's specialist equine insurer, has teamed up with leading equine vet Gil Riley, to produce free online video tutorials about common conditions affecting horses. The latest addition covers laminitis and explains the causes, effects and treatment.

Laminitis is an increasingly common condition that can affect all types and ages of horses and ponies. It is caused by inflammation of the laminae - the structure within the horse's foot that supports the pedal bone within the hoof capsule - which results in lameness. Often associated with obesity and too much rich spring grass, it can also be a problem in the winter with frost and snow affecting the fructans in the grass, which can cause an acute bout of laminitis.

Gil Riley, the Petplan Equine Vet of the Year in 2009, explains why the lameness associated with laminitis is so distinctive.

"Because the laminae are concentrated towards the toe area of the foot that is where most of the pain will be felt which means the horse will position its feet to put most of its weight on the heel. Laminitis rarely affects one foot; it mainly affects both front feet and sometimes the back as well."

Gil goes on to talk about the treatment for the condition, which will depend on the severity of the case and how quickly the vet is called. Milder cases can generally be treated by box rest on a deep bed, diet and pain management while more severe cases can require months of expensive treatment and remedial farriery.

The video, which is on the Petplan Equine website, shows a comparison of x-rays of a normal foot and one badly damaged by laminitis which clearly demonstrate how the decreased support in the foot results in the pedal bone rotating away.

"If the support structure of the pedal bones within the foot has given way the bones may have moved and this will take many months of treatment. Most horses make a full recovery but some may be too badly damaged and will never recover," explains Gil.

Prevention is always better than cure and once the horse has recovered it is very important to pay attention to the management to ensure that the condition does not reoccur.

Petplan Equine, has already developed a number of videos on its website to help horse owners understand more about common equine conditions, what to look out for and what action to take. Isabella Von Mesterhazy, Head of Marketing for Petplan Equine and a keen event rider commented:

"At Petplan Equine we've been providing specialist equine insurance for over 20 years and we work closely with vets to educate horse owners about equine diseases and injuries. We understand how important horses are to their owners and hope that these videos will help them to spot potential problems and prevent the development of painful conditions."

To view this and other videos, visit www.petplanequine.co.uk/my-petplan-equine/common-illness-and-injuries

 

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For more information please contact the Petplan press office on:

Name	Telephone	Email
Charlotte Collyer	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988.
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK.
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover.
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK.
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK.
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust.
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge.
• Petplan Equine is the only insurer to offer illness and accident cover for older horses, up to the age of 25 as long as the policy is taken before your horse reaches the age of 20.