Methods and compositions for treating and preventing laminitis, founder and overeating in an ungulate

Abstract

The present invention relates to the production and use of feed compositions useful in the treatment and prevention of laminitis, founder and overeating, particularly in horses and ponies. The feed composition may reduce the effects of carbohydrate overload whilst providing a controlled release of metabolizable energy to avoid excessive fermentation and lactic acid production in the hind gut. At the same time the feed composition can provide nutrition to the animal whilst avoiding overeating. The combination of controlled bulk and energy provides for a feed composition that can control the symptoms of excess energy sources in the gut which may manifest as laminitis and founder.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the production and use of feed compositions useful in the treatment and prevention of laminitis, founder and overeating, particularly in horses.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]Founder is one of the most crippling diseases of horses and ponies, which in severe and recurring cases, can reduce a horse's usefulness and lifespan. Laminitis, the initiating cause of founder, can affect any horse, of any age or sex, at any time of year. Although it is traditionally considered a disease of obese ponies, laminitis can be triggered by a variety of metabolic or physical causes in any horse.[0003]Laminitis is typically caused by devitalization of the supporting laminae within the hoof of ungulates, leading to painful breakdown and tearing of the support tissues suspending the pedal bone within the hoof. If laminitis is not treated properly, the pedal bone drops or rotates downwards, resulting in founder, with total collapse causing s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The feed composition reduces the effects of carbohydrate overload whilst providing a controlled release of metabolizable energy to avoid excessive fermentation and lactic acid production in the gut. At the same time the feed composition can provide nutrition and bulk to the animal whilst avoiding overeating.

[0016]In a second aspect the present invention also provides a method for producing an animal feed composition, the method comprising the step of adding a graminaceous component having a slow release of energy and / or low energy density to at least one other feed component.

Problems solved by technology

Founder is one of the most crippling diseases of horses and ponies, which in severe and recurring cases, can reduce a horse's usefulness and lifespan.

Laminitis is typically caused by devitalization of the supporting laminae within the hoof of ungulates, leading to painful breakdown and tearing of the support tissues suspending the pedal bone within the hoof.

If laminitis is not treated properly, the pedal bone drops or rotates downwards, resulting in founder, with total collapse causing severe lameness and risk of death.

The excess acid destroys beneficial bacteria and leads to damage to the gut wall, thereby releasing endotoxins into the blood.

Laminitis may be treated many ways and sometimes conservatively by confining the animal to a stable or small yard and often starving the animal.

Furthermore, owners will often limit walking of a severely lame horse as further tearing and damage to the laminae will result.

Phenylbutazone is a prescription only medication, and cannot be used preventatively.

Furthermore, this agent (like many anti-inflammatory drugs) can lead to side effects such as stomach perforation and allergic reactions.

It is vital that these supportive shoes are correctly applied and regularly adjusted or they can cause excessive pressure and damage to the frog.

The use of Founderguard® is not without problems since some horses have, or develop allergies against the active component.

Furthermore, the product poses exposure risks to humans with the material safety data sheet recommending the minimisation of dusts and the use of protective goggles, elbow-length gloves, facial protection and a mask or respirator.

A further problem of horses is that of overeating.

While some animals will eat only what they need, the majority will overeat if given the opportunity.

Ponies also easily become obese from overfeeding and therefore are at high risk for colic.

Control of overeating is often more complex than simply providing less feed to the animal to consume.

Hence it is a problem to provide a feed source that provides sufficient nutrition without the animal overeating or that will not lead to laminitis in highly susceptible ponies and horses.

Furthermore, once the animal founders, there are no simple means to treat the animals and simultaneously provide sufficient nutrition without exacerbating the condition.

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