Horses need their hooves to survive. “No hoof, no horse.” Laminitis can threaten your horse’s hoof health and in some cases, cause long-term complications, potentially leading to humane euthanasia. Our Church’s Mobile Veterinary Service team frequently treats horses affected by this condition, and we offer answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about equine laminitis.
Question: What is equine laminitis?
Answer: Laminitis is the inflammation of the sensitive and insensitive laminae (i.e., tissues) inside a horse’s hoof capsule. The sensitive laminae surround the coffin bone—the wedge-shaped bone inside the hoof capsule. The insensitive laminae line the hoof’s inner wall. These tissues interlock and suspend the coffin bone inside the hoof capsule. The interlocked laminae support the horse’s weight and absorb impact when the foot hits the ground. The laminae have an extensive blood supply, and laminitis occurs when this blood supply is disrupted, causing the tissues to become inflamed and swell. In severe cases, the bond between the sensitive and insensitive laminae breaks down, causing the coffin bone to rotate and sink. This condition is commonly referred to as foundering.
Q: Why does equine laminitis occur?
A: The physical structure of a horse’s limb makes them susceptible to laminitis. Their delicate legs and hooves support a comparatively heavy upper body, and the front feet bear approximately 60% to 65% of a horse’s weight.
Q: What causes equine laminitis?
A: Laminitis is not solely a hoof problem. The condition is a whole-body event that can be triggered by factors such as:
- Grazing on lush pastures, especially without proper acclimatization
- Grain overload
- Obesity
- Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
- Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (i.e., Cushing’s disease)
- Sepsis caused by colic, pneumonia, or other infections
- Retained placenta or uterine infection
- High fever
- Supporting limb laminitis
- Excessive concussive forces to the feet (i.e., road founder)
- Exposure to black walnut shavings
- Steroid overuse
Q: What signs indicate equine laminitis?
A: In a mild case, equine laminitis can be difficult to detect, especially because both front feet are typically affected so the horse doesn’t have an obvious limp. One foot or all four feet can be affected, but the most common presentation is laminitis in both front feet. Signs may include:
- Reluctance or hesitancy when walking forward
- Shifting from limb to limb when standing
- Lying down
- Leaning back on the hind limbs in a sawhorse stance
- Excessive heat in the hooves
- Increased digital pulse in the feet
Q: How is equine laminitis diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis involves assessing the hoof for excessive heat and an elevated digital pulse, and finding sensitivity at the toe when hoof testers are applied. X-rays are also necessary to evaluate the coffin bone’s position in relation to the hoof wall to determine if rotation or sinking has occurred. X-rays are also helpful for planning therapeutic trimming.
Q: How is equine laminitis treated?
A: Horses with laminitis need pain management through medications such as phenylbutazone or banamine. Other treatments include:
- Strict stall confinement in a heavily bedded stall
- Cold hosing or icing feet
- Removing all grain-based feeds and pasture, and feeding only soaked or low-quality hay
- If the horse has a grain overload, removing as much food from the stomach as possible and administering mineral oil and activated charcoal
- Diagnosing and managing conditions such as EMS and Cushing’s disease
- Trimming the foot appropriately
- Using therapeutic boots or shoes
Q: How is equine laminitis prevented?
A: Laminitis is not always preventable. However, you can reduce your horse’s risk by following these tips:
- In the spring, limit initial turnout to 15 minutes, gradually increasing the time on pasture by 15 minutes every three to five days.
- Feed hay before turnout so you aren’t turning out on an empty stomach.
- Avoid grazing from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. when forage sugar content is the highest.
- Maintain your horse at a healthy body condition.
- Provide appropriate hoof care, including regular hoof trims.
- Exercise your horse regularly.
- Schedule routine veterinary care so conditions, such as EMS and Cushing’s, can be detected in the early stages before they result in laminitis.
If you are concerned your horse may have laminitis or you would like to schedule a yearly health check, contact our Church’s Mobile Veterinary Service team.
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