Prevalence of laminitis in Norwegian ponies

New research highlights the problem of laminitis in the Norwegian Nordlandshest/Lyngshest pony breed.

Ponies, in general, are prone to laminitis and field observations suggest Norwegian breeds are no exception

 A recent study by Sigrid Lykkjen, Ingrid Hunter Holmøy from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and Linda Koldal Stenbakk from the Forus Hesteklinikk, sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors associated with laminitis within this pony breed. A full report of the study is published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

 

The Nordland or Lyngshest, native to Norway, is typically small to medium-sized, standing at 12 to 14 hands (48 to 56 inches or 122 to 142 cm) at the withers. With a compact and muscular build, these ponies are well-suited for tasks in challenging mountainous terrains, commonly employed in riding, driving, and therapeutic riding programs.

 

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for laminitis in the Norwegian Nordlandshest/Lyngshest pony breed. To address the question, the research team used questionnaires distributed among members of the Norwegian Nordlandshest/Lyngshest breed association..

 

Analysis revealed age, sex, and regional adiposity as notable risk factors for laminitis. Moreover, the level of exercise and outdoor housing was significantly correlated with a reduced prevalence of laminitis.

 

For horses over nine years old, the lifetime prevalence of laminitis approached 20%. However, the overall lifetime prevalence across the entire population was comparatively lower. The researchers attributed this lower prevalence to the study's inclusion of a substantial number of young animals (24% aged five years or less), suggesting their contribution to the overall lower incidence of laminitis.

 

In conclusion, the researchers emphasize that laminitis poses a considerable welfare challenge within the Nordlandshest/Lyngshest pony breed.

 

“The identified risk factors, namely age, sex, and regional adiposity, underscore the importance of heightened diagnosis and monitoring of EMS/insulin dysregulation in the breed. Additionally, the findings highlight the necessity for enhanced owner education and awareness of strategies aimed at reducing the risk of laminitis.”

 

For more details, see:

 

Prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest

Sigrid Lykkjen, Linda Koldal Stenbakk & Ingrid Hunter Holmøy 

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica (2023) vol 65, Article number: 22