End of Summer Dangers

There are two things I want ALL horse owners to be aware of during the end of Summer. Acorns and the “Seasonal Rise”.

You may have noticed; acorns are starting to fall from oak tress now. Why does that matter to your horse? Well, some horses love the taste of acorns, and if they eat too many it can be detrimental to their health in a couple ways. Firstly, they are high in sugar and can cause laminitis in horses that are sensitive to sugars. Secondly, they are high in tannins and if eaten in large volumes, your horse can experience liver dysfunction. Please be sure to limit your horse’s acorn exposure this fall. Some horses can moderate just fine, while others really develop a taste and gorge themselves.

You may have heard something called the Seasonal Rise. This is referring to the natural rise in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). During the end of Summer (peaking in September), your horse’s body is already preparing for Winter. Horses experience a natural increase in the production of ACTH from their pituitary glands, which is called a "seasonal rise". ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol. This seasonal rise can also cause fluctuations in insulin and glucose levels. 
For most horses, the seasonal rise is not a problem. However, it can be more difficult for older horses or those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as equine Cushing's disease. In these cases, the seasonal rise can lead to laminitis, a painful hoof disease, in the fall. 

What can you do? If your horse is overweight, diagnosed as insulin resistant (IR), had a previous laminitic flare, or has PPID, you need to go full tilt to prevent sugar consumption mode. This may mean removal from grass and/or the addition of a grazing muzzle. It should also be noted that horses who have PPID under control via Pergolide may need an increase in dose during this time. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian to be proactive.

Enjoy your horse as the temperatures cool off!

Blessings,
​Amy