The American Association of Equine Practitioners posted the following on Facebook:

Did you know fall grass could be just as dangerous as spring grass for a laminitis-prone horse? Most horse owners know they should be wary of lush spring grass, which produces large amounts of sugary substances to give the pasture energy to grow. What you may not know, is that fall grass also accumulates high levels of soluble sugars and carbohydrates, due to the combination of warm days and cool nights, as well as increased precipitations.

For horses at higher risk of developing laminitis, this refreshed grass may be enough to push them over the edge. While the exact mechanisms by which the feet are damaged due to laminitis remain a mystery, certain precipitating events can produce the condition. Although laminitis occurs in the feet, the underlying cause is often a disturbance elsewhere in the horse’s body (like overfeeding).

By learning more about this condition, you may be able to minimize the risks of laminitis in your horse or control the long-term damage if it does occur. Learn more about laminitis on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/laminitis-prevention-treatment and, as always, contact your veterinarian for more information and advice tailored to your horse’s individual situation.