Compassionate, evidence-based care for horses at risk of laminitis

Laminitis is a life-changing condition — for both horses and the people who love them. At Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services, laminitis prevention and management is a major clinical focus, built on careful assessment, thoughtful case management, and genuine compassion.

A heart-breaking sight no owner ever wants to see – a horse crippled with laminitis 

This service is led by Dr Tania Sundra, who has spent many years working with horses affected by equine metabolic syndrome, insulin dysregulation and laminitis. Her clinical work and research have led to invitations to present at both local and international conferences, and she is frequently sought after as a speaker at laminitis-focused events thanks to her unique perspective and extensive real-world case experience.

Dr Sundra was honoured with an award from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) in the UK in recognition of her groundbreaking research into laminitis treatments.

Calm. Thorough. And truly individualised.

No two laminitis cases are the same. That’s why every horse receives an individualised assessment and management plan — built around their medical needs, environment, temperament, and your capacity as an owner.

You won’t be left guessing.

You will leave the consultation with a clear, structured plan, ongoing guidance, and an understanding of why each step matters.

Laminitis assessments may include:

• Comprehensive clinical and metabolic risk review
• Bloodwork and endocrine tests tailored to your horse’s needs 
• On-farm insulin testing for rapid, horse-side results
• Individualised diet, pasture and lifestyle planning
• Pain and comfort strategies
• Collaboration with your farrier when needed
• Regular review and adaptation as your horse’s needs evolve

To support long-term monitoring, Dr Sundra has also negotiated discounted laboratory fees for Avon Ridge Equine clients, helping keep advanced diagnostics accessible.

 
We see horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes affected by laminitis which is why a one-size-fits all approach never works and inevitably leads to prolonged suffering.

Leading the way in emerging laminitis care

Dr Sundra is frequently contacted by veterinarians worldwide for guidance on complex metabolic and laminitis cases — particularly around the use of SGLT2-inhibitor medications such as ertugliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin. She has several years of clinical experience using these medications in carefully selected horses, applying innovative treatment strategies that are only just beginning to enter mainstream equine practice.

Every decision is thoughtful, ethical, and centred on long-term comfort and welfare.

Case Review Consultations —
New Clients Welcome

You don’t need to be a regular Avon Ridge Equine client to access our Laminitis Care Program. We are very happy to see new or non-regular clients for a Case Review Consultation if you’d like a thorough assessment of your horse’s current management plan, history, test results, or diagnosis.

This may be a one-off consultation to ensure everything is heading in the right direction — or it may develop into an ongoing partnership, where we help support your horse throughout their laminitis recovery. Our focus is always on tailored, practical, evidence-based advice, with the understanding that a laminitis management plan often needs to be refined and adjusted over time as your horse’s condition changes and their recovery progresses.

Whether you’re just starting the journey, feeling overwhelmed, or simply want confidence that your horse’s management is as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible — we’re here to help.

Working together — the right partnership matters

Due to the time, care and ongoing involvement required to manage laminitis well, Dr Sundra works only with dedicated owners who are committed to achieving the best long-term outcomes for their horses.

While we are happy to see new clients, our case intake is highly selective and based on an initial consultation to ensure:

✔ the horse will benefit from this level of care
✔ the owner is aligned with a structured, proactive approach
✔ the working relationship is the right fit for both sides
✔ the farrier also needs to be “bought-in” to the long term plan and be open to discussion regarding what is best for the horse at various stages of recovery

This ensures each horse receives the attention, continuity and thoughtful case management they truly deserve.

Not all horses affected by laminitis need to lose weight, but when they do, we will guide you on the safest approach without compromising your horse’s welfare. 

Because prevention matters

Many horses develop high laminitis risk long before obvious symptoms appear. These proactive assessments are designed to identify risk early, empower owners with clarity, and reduce the likelihood of laminitis before it occurs.

Dr Sundra recently delivered a laminitis-focussed session to farriers at Goodlands Farrier School.
Collaboration is the key!

Stay ahead of laminitis — Free practical tips and the latest research, straight to your inbox

What our clients have to say: 

“Thanks for everything this year Tania, Conor and I don’t know what we would have done without you.” – Karen

“I can’t thank you enough for bringing Nemo back from the brink of euthanasia. Your ongoing support and advice has been nothing short of amazing when we had exhausted all other options. Thank you for saving Nemo’s life” – Emily

“Thank-you Dr Sundra. Yours is a great contribution to the NO Laminitis! Conference. It is nice to meet veterinary professionals with a like mind.” – Nancy C, ECIR Group President.

“Thank you so much for your all of your help! Love seeing them so happy and being able to frolic like real horses 😁” – Emma

“Thank you Tania x for the exceptional expertise and care you give to my horses” – Dale

“It truly was a life saving medication for Hollie, as we had exhausted all other options in our attempts to get her well again.  We are so grateful for Tania’s assistance, advice, support and treatment of Hollie with this fantastic new medication. She’s back to her old self and even had a recent visit to the beach!” – Mel

“You have worked wonders! Big thanks!!!” – Cat

“A big thanks to Tania Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services Story of two ponies: -Marzipan the small mini Palouse was 255kg and needed to shed some kg’s and had a crest which was huge. Insulin was 50 and tested positive to Cushings. Generally a bit sad and sore. Marzipan on pergolide and Dapagliflozin, kept on a low sugar diet and very strict grazing times etc -Romeo the chestnut after we purchased him his insulin was up to 960, which is catastrophic. Tania actually retested in case it was a false test, but was correct! Soooooo…..time for meds and lots of food corrections and exercise ! He was actually borderline underweight and very dull coat. Romeo was on ertigliglozin paste and a great farrier. Also put on a low sugar, off the grass and pretty much constant low sugar hay. Now we have two VERY happy cool little dudes. Marzipans insulin is 15 and his weigh down to 195kg (lost 1/5 of body weight!), Romeo’s insulin is 25 and looks much shinier in his coat and a sparkle in his eyes. The Both have zero lameness, no more naughty bucks from Romeo. Both are even allowed a tew hours on the green pasture each morning and surprisingly come into the diet paddock happily when called (most of the time =9) Myself and my kids= stoked” – Emma

“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done to get her on the right track. I know she’s in safe hands with you” – Sharon

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this! Vets in my area of Australia are doing just what you described, short term ertugliflozin, horse does well on it, diet lapses, finishes the course, gets really sore, goes back on the drug, yo-yo-ing but not addressing the cause. As a HCP it’s so frustrating because the owner wants to follow the vets advice, not ours. This post is great, coming from a vet!” – Jenny