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Lamintec 5-HT™

Laminitis susceptibility: more important than the disease itself?

Anyone who has spent much time with horses becomes familiar with laminitis, changes in blood flow to the hooves which often result in intense pain and damage... and during the spring and autumn measures to prevent the disease are on the minds of many horse owners. The issue has been than there are many 'triggers' for the disease and no accepted cause, making it difficult to prevent or solve. Laminitis stems from many events, but over-eating and metabolic problems, such as Cushing's disease, are well known.

Key concerns for vets and horse owners:

1. Obesity in the horse and body imbalances brought about through over-eating (autumn flushes of grass and the change of nutrients and sugars in the grass).

2. Seasonal changes in the horse's body which may make it more susceptible to developing laminitis, especially where the horse has an underlying metabolic condition, e.g. Cushing's disease.

There are 1.35 million horses in the UK (BETA NES, 1999) of which between 3-7% might be expected to succumb to laminitis each year (Hinckley and Henderson, 1996).

Researchers at PED believe susceptibility to laminitis may be detected using 'biogenic amine biomarkers'; substances in the body which could help predict if a particular horse is prone to the disease. The idea is that balance must be maintained in the horse's body for it to be healthy and that there are key chemicals involved. Vets and researchers have been questioning for some years whether the current laboratory tests are helpful, given that false positives for Cushing's disease may occur in autumn for normal horses and there are varied results of current treatments connected with laminitis.

PED has so far helped veterinary clients, horse sanctuaries and general horse owners through novel laboratory tests connected to its scientific work. Sue Haritou, Director at PED said, "We believe this new approach could make a significant contribution to horse welfare. Success in stopping laminitis connected with Cushing's disease in my own horse was the inspiration for PED; we wanted to make that advance available to all." The company won the Sneinton Business Forum Award for Innovation in November 2008.

A free copy of this scientific work is available here.

PED is now proud to announce the launch of a new and unique product, to be distributed by Battle Hayward and Bower Ltd: LaminTec 5-HT™. An innovative equine feed supplement, LaminTec 5-HT™ supports normal circulation to the hoof and its capillary bed.

• Suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis, those with conditions such as Cushing's disease or metabolic syndrome or where owners are worried about laminitis risk associated with weight gain and/or periods of high grass growth (spring and autumn). Can be fed all year round.

• Different from other products - backed by published science - includes a unique natural ingredient, ground feverfew herb. No current equine supplement has this ingredient.

• May help to decrease obesity; helpful for the 'good doer', fat cob, Shetland, Shire or other types of horse which put on weight easily.

• Feverfew is known to help balance body systems and assist in maintaining healthy circulation.

• Easy to use and good value (over 1 months supply per pot).

• Trialled with veterinary clients and horse sanctuaries.


• Flavoured with natural aniseed - very palatable to the horse.

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