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Laminitis is a painful and crippling condition in
which the laminae of the hoof becomes inflamed.
The laminae are the structures responsible for holding
the hoof wall to the pedal (coffin) bone in the hoof.
Laminitis can affect any horse regardless of breed,
age or sex and at any time of the year.
There are a number of different factors that can
contribute to the onset of Laminitis, including;
u Obesity or overeating
u Trauma, injury or hoof concussion
u Stress - from illness, transport or overworking
u Infections or toxaemia
u Hormones - issues with thyroid or pituitary glands
u High insulin levels associated with Equine
Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
A horse can suffer from acute Laminitis which will
typically only last for a few days if it is treated promptly
and the underlying cause of the Laminitis is managed.
Chronic Laminitis, commonly referred to as Founder,
is more severe and requires long term care and
management. In chronic Laminitis cases the laminae
can become so inflamed that the structure of the hoof
is compromised as the laminae swells causing the
hoof wall and the pedal bone to separate which can
result in the pedal bone dropping or rotating.
The signs and symptoms of Laminitis vary depending
on the severity of the case and can include;
u Depression
u Lameness, reluctance to walk or turn, increased
periods of lying down
u Heat in hooves, especially around the coronet band
u Pain when pressure is applied to the sole of the foot
u An increased or bounding pulse in the affected feet
u Shifting weight from foot to foot
u The classic Laminitis stance - front legs outstretched
and rocking back to move weight on to back legs
The most important part of treating Laminitis is trying
to make the horse comfortable and to reduce the
inflammation within the hoof and laminae. A vet will
administer non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and try
to determine and treat any underlying factors that may
have caused the Laminitis. Putting the horse in a box
with deep soft sawdust or in a paddock with soft
ground can also help relieve the pressure on the hoof.
A farrier that is familiar with Laminitis cases may also
be required to trim the horses' feet to help support
the hoof and relieve some pressure from the frog,
laminae and pedal bone. If you notice any signs or
symptoms of Laminitis or even suspect Laminitis you
should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Laminitis
laminae
becomes inflamed
Pedal Bone
Navicular
Bone
Digital
Cushion
Bulbar
Cushion
Tendons
Hoof Wall
laminae layer
