Redwings is supporting an initiative urging horse owners throughout the UK to check their horses for an underlying cause of laminitis.

Laminitis can be a sign of Cushing's disease (otherwise known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction or PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) in horses.

According to research, as many as 90% of cases are caused by an underlying hormonal disease with PPID being a major culprit in horses and ponies over the age of 10.

We're helping to raise awareness of the link between these conditions by backing the initiative, called Talk About Laminitis, led by animal health business Boehringer Ingelheim.

The Talk About Laminitis website provides valuable information on the signs and causes of laminitis and PPID, and offers a free laboratory blood test for horse owners that detects PPID. 

Boehringer Ingelheim has also launched a further educational website, called Care About Cushing's, which provides extensive information on PPID, how to spot the signs, achieve a quick diagnosis and how to create the best management plan for your horse.

Redwings' Head of Veterinary and Care, Nicky Jarvis, said: "Laminitis is a devastating disease for both horse and owner so prevention is key. The Talk About Laminitis initiative provides a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and learning new skills - in particular body condition scoring, which is vital for helping to keep your horse healthy.

"Knowing if your horse is at risk of laminitis due to underlying PPID is also essential, so I would encourage anyone to take advantage of the new Care About Cushing's service and free testing offer, particularly for the older horse."

For further information, visit:

• Talk About Laminitis - www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk
• Care About Cushing's - www.careaboutcushings.co.uk