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Central Coast Horse Hospital and Ourimbah Veterinary Hospital provide expert medical and surgical services for horses.
We provide;
- 24 hour emergency service
- Home visits coast wide
- Radiology, endoscopy, arthroscopy, ultrasound and ECG service
- Artificial insemination service ( AEVA Accredited AI centre).
- Dr Nick Kannegieter (Specialist Equine Surgeon) takes regular referral cases from the local area, Hunter Valley and Northern NSW.
Please visit our Pet Health page, for over 60 articles on horse health and care.
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 | Equine laminitis (founder) is a vascular disease of the hooves of horses and ponies, which produces a crippling lameness. Whilst laminitis is more common in certain individuals and seems especially predominant in overweight ponies, laminitis can affect horses of any breed or age.  The term ‘laminitis’ refers to inflammation of the laminae, which are the structures connecting the coffin bone to the hoof itself. When these sensitive laminae become inflamed, this can lead to separation of the coffin bone and hoof. When this separation is severe, the coffin bone can sink within the hoof, a very painful condition often referred to as ‘founder’. Clinical signs Laminitis can occur in any or all of the four feet but most frequently occurs in the forelimbs. Affected horses are reluctant to move and often display a ‘sawhorse’ (out-stretched) stance, taking weight off affected limbs. Some severely affected horses will lie down to take pressure off their sore feet. In acute cases the affected feet will often be warm/hot to touch. Diagnosis Acute laminitis is often diagnosed on clinical history and presenting signs. X-rays of your horses’ hooves may be advised to determine the degree of hoof separation from the coffin bone. Causes of laminitis There are many causes of laminitis, some of the most common include: - Overfeeding grain
- Ponies grazing on lush pasture
- Secondary to illnesses such as colic, pleuritis or pneumonia or in mares with retained foetal membranes
- Non-weight-bearing in the opposite limb
First-aid for acute laminitis - If feed-induced, remove from pasture or grain source.
- Stall or yard confinement, preferably with soft sand or cushioned bedding – walking your horse may allow further laminae tearing and separation.
- Cooling the horses feet in an acute episode will help reduce inflammation – cold hosing or placing plastic bags of ice around the feet may help
- Acute laminitis is an emergency, treatment and supervision by a vet is recommended. If you suspect your horse has engorged grain contact us immediately.
Management of chronic laminitis - Dietary management- low carbohydrate, high roughage diets
- Hoof support- hoof padding, raised heels, glue-on shoes as recommended by your veterinarian or experienced farrier
- Regular corrective hoof trimming
- Anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your vet
- Calcium and biotin supplements to support hoof growth
How can I help prevent laminitis? - Appropriate dietary management, especially for at-risk horses and ponies.
- Maintaining adequate body weight and not allowing your horse or pony to become overweight.
- Discussing with your veterinarian whether your horse might be at increased risk of laminitis.
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 | Colic Colic ‘Colic’ is a general term given to abdominal pain in horses. There are many causes of abdominal pain but they tend to be grouped together under the heading ‘colic’ as they will often present the same way – rolling, kicking at or looking at the belly, pawing and sweating. Most commonly colic will be due to problems associated with the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), but can also be related to the urinary tract, reproductive organs, liver, or even chest pain. Causes With many cases of colic no specific cause will be discovered and is likely due to a combination of factors. Feeding and routine management tend to be among the most common predisposing factors. These include allowing the horse to gorge food, eat spoilt or mouldy foods and ingest sand whilst eating. De-worming and regular dental care are also important to help the GIT function properly. Types of colic Type of colic commonly include impactions of the bowel (due to hard, dry ingesta that can’t pass through easily), strangulations (twisting of the bowel or telescoping into itself), gas distention of the bowel or stomach, spasmodic (intermittent spasms of the bowel), or gastric ulcers. As colic can be a serious and life-threatening condition, a complete assessment and diagnosis should be made by your veterinarian to ensure appropriate treatment is given. Colic first aid Mild colic – observe for faecal and urine output, water intake. Withhold food until the signs pass. Walking the horse may help relieve mild obstructions or gas. Seek veterinary advice if the signs persist or become more serious. Severe colic – Seek veterinary advice immediately. How can I help prevent colic? - Regular worming
- Equine dental exam at least once a year
- Feeding good quality diet with a consistent feeding schedule
- Feed grain component of diet in 2-3 small meals rather than one large one
- No sudden diet changes
- Avoid feeding off the ground in sandy areas
- Provide fresh water at all times
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