Quick summary: In an owner-reported case study, horses with laminitis or founder received EquiBrew for 16 days. At day 30, average scores improved for laminitis, movement, coat and skin, and mood. Fifteen of 17 horses improved and none worsened.
What is laminitis in horses
Laminitis is an inflammatory condition of the hoof laminae that can cause pain, lameness, and structural damage. Management always requires veterinary guidance. This article summarizes one small, owner-reported case study on EquiBrew and does not replace veterinary care.
Signs of laminitis in horses
Common signs can include discomfort when moving, shifting weight, a shortened stride, reluctance to turn, and changes in stance. Work with your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment planning.
What causes laminitis in horses
Causes vary and can include endocrine disorders, diet and pasture changes, systemic illness, or concussion on hard ground. Because triggers differ by horse, a veterinarian should direct testing, diet, and management.
Treating laminitis in horses: where EquiBrew may fit
Core treatment is veterinary-led and can involve diet changes, pain control, hoof support, and turnout management. EquiBrew is a live-culture probiotic. The case study below reports owner-observed changes after a short EquiBrew protocol, which may be relevant to gut support within a broader plan.
Study at a glance
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Design: Owner-reported case study. Owners were invited via Facebook and self-selected to participate. They agreed to follow a protocol, submit photos, and complete surveys.
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Participants: 17 owners completed dosing and both surveys.
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Protocol: 250 mL EquiBrew per day for 16 days, mixed into feed, splitting the dose if feeding more than once daily.
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Scoring: Owners used the Henneke 1–9 body condition scale; the same 1–9 scale was applied to laminitis/founder, coat and skin, movement, and mood, with 1 = terrible and 9 = near perfect.
Results
Overall: 15 of 17 horses improved in laminitis/founder. Two reported no change in laminitis but improved in other areas. No horse fared worse.
Average scores, start → day 30:
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Laminitis: 3.8 → 6.2
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Movement: 3.4 → 6.1
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Coat and skin: 4.9 → 7.0
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Mood: 4.7 → 7.1
Statistics: Reported p values show strong significance for laminitis, movement, and mood; coat/skin was not significant at p<0.05 in this analysis.
Owner comments: Survey quotes describe perceived improvements in comfort and mobility. These are anecdotal and illustrate individual experiences rather than controlled outcomes.
Limitations
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Self-selection and owner-reported scoring can introduce bias. There was no described control group.
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Outcomes are summarized at day 30 after a 16-day dosing window, so changes may reflect ongoing management as well.
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The document allows fair use for discussion and study but restricts lengthy quotes without approval. We summarize and link to the source.
How EquiBrew differs
EquiBrew is a fresh fermentation with high numbers of live, active lactobacilli per dose and a complex of organic acids and other metabolites. This differentiates it from many shelf-stable, freeze-dried probiotics.
Suggested use based on this study
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Protocol reference from the study: 250 mL per day for 16 days, mixed into feed, splitting if feeding more than once daily.
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Discuss any changes with your veterinarian. This article is informational only and is not medical advice.
Source and PDF
This summary is based on the 2018 EquiBrew Laminitis Case Study Group Report by BioBrew Ltd. The PDF contains the full table of individual scores and p values.
FAQ
What is laminitis in horses
Laminitis is inflammation of the hoof laminae that can cause pain and structural changes. Always consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
What are common signs of laminitis in horses
Changes in comfort, posture, willingness to move, and turning behavior are common signs. A vet exam is the right next step.
How is laminitis treated
Plans are individualized and can involve diet and pasture management, medication, hoof support, and careful turnout. Follow your veterinarian’s guidance.
Is EquiBrew safe or useful for horses with laminitis
The case study above reports owner-observed score improvements after a short protocol. Results are preliminary and owner-reported. Use under veterinary guidance.
