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Laminitis -

Common in fat Ponies on spring and autumn grass, it is usually caused by sudden access to rich food, especially lush new grass.

It is extremely painful; the hoof cannot expand to relieve the the pressure of inflammation within, so the animal stands on it's heels to escape pain and will be difficult to move.

Call the vet remove the animal from the source of over-rich diet and keep on hay until suitable rations are prescribed.

First aid is the application of heat; stand in hot saturated Epsom salts solution, or apply warm kaolin around the pastern and hoof with the whole area bandaged including soft bandaging over the frog and sole. Dissolve five soluble aspirin in a little water, mix with honey and flour, and smear on tongue every 24 hours until the vet prescribes a more suitable pain killer.

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