Hi Linda, Welcome to the group. You're about to enter a new chapter on equine nutrition and management. You'll watch Roo improve daily with the protocol that has been designed by Dr. Kellon. The list philosophy is DDT/E.
Since Roo in an easy keeper TWH and laminitic on spring grass ~ you should start him on the Temporary Emergency Diet now. Pull him off pasture immediately! Your vet was right about spring grass. Roo most likely is IR so you need to feed him as if he was. Wont hurt if he's not. WILL help if he is! He's at the age where Cushings could be involved so you'll need to get an eACTH test before the end of August for a DIAGNOSIS.
I could not open your Case History docs but I did get the questionnaire to open. Nancy said your bloodwork states he's IR. IR is managed by DIET. By removing him from pasture (full of sugar) and feeding him a low sugar/starch/fat meal with his hay soaked and drained will make a huge improvement in him. We aim for 10% or less sugar/starch a day. The ER diet is exactly what he needs. The ER minerals can be purchased at any drugstore. Vitamin E, loose iodized table salt, magnesium and flax seed. This is Temporary until you get your hay analyzed and the minerals balanced to that assay. Feed him 1.5% his body weight a day in hay ~ weigh it dry. Feed at least 4 small meals a day in small mesh hay nets (use them for soaking and slowing down his eating) so he has some food going through his system. Do NOT starve him! What low carb feed are you giving him? Is it under 10% s/s/f? Read the Start Here file for details. Send your hay sample to www.equi-analytical.com #603/$49.
TRIM is a balanced foot with toes backed from the top and heels lowered. IF he's barefoot you can get boots/pads for him. Trimming should be done as often as weekly to every 2 or 3 weeks.
EXERCISE is hand walking only if he's able. Never force a laminitic horse to move. Also ~ when he starts feeling better you want him quiet! and not bucking around. It takes time for hooves to heal. Many horses need to grow out a complete hoof (about one year) before they are 'released' to ride or continue their work load.
We know the information here is overwhelming. It will get easier for you! Please ask questions as they pop up. Start a journal on Roo with pictures too. Knock yourself out in the files. And take a deep breath for yourself. You arent alone!
