THE LAMINITIS TRUST - LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
by Robert A Eustace FRCVS, Founder of The Laminitis Trust

The Laminitis Trust is the only registered Charity dedicated to supporting research into equine laminitis; it was founded in 1998..

The advent of the Laminitis Trust Feed Approval Mark has been well received. The purpose of the mark is to indicate those feeds which the Scientific Committee of the Trust considers to be suitable to feed to horses at high risk of laminitis and those suffering from the disease. Most importantly further recommendations have been made by the Trust concerning the general equine diet.

Additionally, we have started a trial of a herbal extract to assess its efficacy in helping horses and ponies with pituitary dependent Cushing's disease.

A month long awareness campaign in Spring 2001 produced a coordinated focus on the disease throughout the equestrian press. An educational leaflet was produced giving advice on the prevention of laminitis and guidance on management. Welfare organisations are encouraging us to run the campaign as an annual event to raise awareness amongst new and inexperienced horseowners and to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals at risk. Further efforts will be made to spread the message that in over 80% of cases the disease could be avoided by more appropriate diet and management.

The secondary aim of the awareness campaign has been to raise funds for a research project. Because of the cancellation of many fund-raising activities during 2001 due to FMD, our target still remains some distance away. Any support from the public in terms of organising fund-raising activities would be much appreciated.

The Laminitis Trust.

The Laminitis Trust consists of a board of four Trustees, Professor Neil Gorman, Professor I. Silver, Simon Thomas, William Bougourd, aided by a scientific panel which includes Robert Eustace FRCVS and Dr David Frape.

If you would like more information on the Trust and its aims, then do please ring Robert Eustace in office hours on: 01249-890784
He will be happy to explain in much more detail.

How can you help?

We are asking you to donate as much as you can in view of the urgency and importance of this subject. Laminitis is second only to colic as the major cause of premature death in equines and second only to pus in the foot as the major cause of lameness.

If you are content to donate on the strength of your own experience, or those of your friends, then please write a cheque for the relevant amount and send it to: The Laminitis Trust, c/o Mead House, Dauntsey, Chippenham, Wilts SN15 4JA.

Remember though, were you to agree to covenant an annual amount, the Trust, being a charity, receives not just your donation, but also the tax you have paid on it (at the basic rate). If you pay tax above the basic rate, you can also claim back the difference from the taxman.

Likewise, for gifts over £250, the same applies under the Gift Aid Provision. The Trust claims back the tax you have paid up to the basic rate, you claim back the rest, if any. We can, of course, set up these things for you.

If you would prefer to act as a regional organiser for fund-raising events then please contact us. We can supply you with collecting boxes and further information. Mr. Eustace can support your efforts by presenting illustrated lectures on laminitis. All proceeds go to the Laminitis Trust.

Thank you for your interest and help.