“Laminitis is a very complex problem in horses.”
That is much more complicated than just overfeeding or overdrinking cold water when hot.
Typically referred to as “founder” by longtime horsemen, laminitis is generally blamed for their over feeding or watering.
However, veterinarians at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), Lexington, Kentucky, have provided much more in-depth laminitis information.
“Laminitis is a painful horse foot disease that has many causes although there are ways to minimize risks,” simplified AAEP. Laminitis can affect one or all feet, but it is most often seen in the front feet concurrently.
Technically, laminitis results from the disruption constant, intermittent or short-term blood flow to the sensitive and insensitive laminae.
These laminae structures within the foot secure the coffin bone, a wedge-shaped bone within the foot, to the hoof wall. Inflammation often permanently weakens the laminae and interferes with the wall/bone bond.
In severe cases, the bone and the hoof wall separate so the coffin bone rotates within the foot. It is displaced downward called “sinks” and eventually penetrates the sole.
While the exact mechanisms by which the feet are damaged remain a mystery, certain precipitating events can produce laminitis. Although laminitis occurs in the feet, the underlying cause is often a disturbance elsewhere in the horse’s body.
Among causes are feed overload or changes, high fever, colic, excessive foot pressure, old age, walnut bedding, and other diseases.
“Although controversial, prolonged use or high doses of corticosteroids may contribute to the laminitis in some horses,” AAEP said.
Draft breeds, Morgan’s, ponies. miniature horses, and donkeys are highly susceptible as are horses who have had previous laminitis episodes.
Signs of laminitis include lameness, foot fever, increased foot pulse, pain in the toe, hesitant gait, and stretched out stance.
Chronic laminitis signs are foot bruises, abscesses, flat feet, crest neck, and dished hooves.
“The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance for recovery,” AAEP emphasized.
Possible treatments include dietary restrictions, administering mineral oil and specific medications, stabling on soft ground, and opening abscesses,
“Cooperation between veterinarian and farrier might include corrective trimming, frog supports, and therapeutic shoes or pads,” AAEP recommended.
Veterinarians advise standing the horse in ice water after a predisposing cause such as a retained placenta or grain overload.
Some horses that develop laminitis make uneventful recoveries and go on to lead long, useful lives. “Unfortunately, others suffer such severe, irreparable damage that they are, for humane reasons, euthanized,” AAEP admitted.
Radiographs will show rotation of the coffin bone and may illustrate abscesses or gas accumulation that affects therapy. “This will also help the farrier with the therapeutic shoeing,” AAEP verified.
Once a horse has had laminitis, it may be likely to recur. It can become chronic because the foot coffin bone has rotated, and the laminae never regain their original strength.
There may also be interference with normal blood flow to the feet as well as metabolic changes within the horse.
Extra care is recommended for any horse that has had laminitis That would include modified diet, routine hoof care, health-maintenance schedule, nutritional supplement, and avoiding lush pasture.
The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing the causes when possible. Keep all grain stored securely out of the reach of horses.
Introduce the horse to lush pasture gradually. Be aware that when a horse is ill, under stress, or overweight, it is especially at risk.
An equine practitioner can formulate a good dietary plan, and owners should. provide horse routine health and hoof care.
“When suspecting laminitis, it a medical emergency and the veterinarian must be contacted immediately,” it was emphasized.
Additional detailed information about laminitis is available from AAEP at 859-233-0147 or email [email protected].
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CUTLINE
Over conditioned ponies are predisposed to laminitis.
