Yes, laminitis can occur in the fall! Fall weather can be deceiving when it comes to pasture safety!
Many people think their horses are safe once spring is over. Don’t be fooled by dry-looking, golden grass in the late fall. If you take a deeper look, this dried-out, golden grass will likely be green at the base, which can have NSC levels as high as long, lush green grass.
Frost causes grass to hold its sugar and prevents the sugar from converting into fiber. Therefore, sugar content after a frost can be as high or even higher than in the spring.
Also, be cognizant of weeds! Weeds concentrate iron from the soil, and if eaten, can cause an insulin surge. Weeds concentrate iron from the soil in much greater quantities than grass. If eaten, these weeds can create insulin surges, leading to possible laminitis.
So, it is advisable if the horse is prone to laminitis, overweight, insulin resistant, or has Cushing’s or PSSM, to incorporate a grazing muzzle even in the fall — and to be safe, all year long.
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