Laminitis in Horses

Laminitis in Horses
Laminitis, a typical stance of a horse or pony suffering from laminitis
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Laminitis is an extremely painful condition affecting the sensitive layers (laminae) of the hoof resulting in pain, inflammation and in some cases, permanent damage to the laminae. Horses, ponies, donkeys and mules are susceptible to the condition.

The Laminae

The laminae are interwoven specialised ‘leaves’ of tissue which suspend the pedal bone within the hoof. In very mild cases of Laminitis, appropriate treatment will resolve the problem with no lasting effect.

If the inflammation is more severe and progressive, the sensitive laminae may lose their blood supply, resulting in loss of support between the pedal bone and horny hoof wall. This can lead to the separation of the pedal bone from the hoof with rotation and/or sinking of the bone within the hoof.

In severe cases, penetration of the sole by the tip of the pedal bone can follow, with fatal consequences.

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Signs of Laminitis

Laminitis is characterised by lameness involving one or more feet which is often rapid in onset. Most often, both front feet are affected, but hind feet can be involved as well.

Occasionally laminitis occurs in only one foot, often as a result of excessive load bearing due to a severe lameness of the opposite leg.

If you suspect your horse is suffering from laminitis, a vet should be called immediately. Laminitis is not a condition that can be dealt with without specialist treatment.

Signs of laminitis you may notice in your horse may include a characteristic pottery gait landing with the heel first.

The condition is worse when asked to walk on a firm surface or when turning. When resting, they often weight shift and stand with the hind limbs placed further underneath the body.

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Physical examination usually identifies an increase of the digital pulse, and often (but not always) the hoof feels hot. The application of hoof testers to the sole in front of the frog will result in a painful response.

How does a horse get Laminitis?

There are a number of reasons a horse may get laminitis, which include:

  • Carbohydrate overload – excess grain or spring grass
  • Changes in glucose metabolism as a result of endotoxaemia caused by colin, intestinal infections or by infection of the uterus following foaling
  • Equine Cushing’s Disease. A disease of older horses and ponies in which an overgrowth of the pituitary gland results in the overproduction of hormones that are thought to be responsible for the recurrent unexplained episodes of laminitis seen in sufferers
  • Equine Metabolic syndrome (EMS) usually seen in overweight middle-aged native ponies in which the fat stores become metabolically active and result in insulin resistance and recurrent episodes of laminitis
  • There is an unproven relationship between high doses of steroids administered to your horse and laminitis. Normal ‘safe’ doses carry a very minimal risk.

Diagnosis of Laminitis

The diagnosis is often made on the basis of the above findings at the clinical examination, but X-rays may be needed to formulate a treatment protocol and prognosis.

These X-rays can often be taken at the yard with a portable unit to minimise stress for your horse. The x-ray below shows an advanced form of laminitis where the pedal bone has rotated downwards.

X-ray showing rotation of the pedal bone found in laminitis
X-ray showing rotation of the pedal bone

Laminitis treatment

If the underlying cause of the laminitis is known, then treatment for the primary disease is indicated. Furthermore, the horse should be on strict box rest in a deep bedding of sand or shavings.

Pain relief will be provided to your horse by your vet in the form of pain-killer anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. bute.

  • Diet

Many horses with laminitis are overweight and a specific diet should be discussed with your veterinary surgeon.

In most cases, it will involve a diet of small amounts of roughage only with no other treats. It may seem cruel but is in the best interests of the horse.

It is important though, that your horse still receives adequate nutrition and is not suddenly starved, as this can have potentially fatal consequences.

  • Remedial farriery

Hoof care is pivotal in the treatment of laminitis. In the early phase the goal is to stabilise the pedal bone. This can be partially accomplished by transferring weight from the hoof wall to the sole surface, support can be provided with Lily or Styrofoam pads. In the chronic phase the goal is to minimise further rotation and to continue support for the sole, bars and frog with trimming and the use of specialist shoes.

Heart bar shoes for laminitis
Heart bar shoes

Further investigation

Blood tests may be warranted in the case of Cushing’s Disease or other metabolic disorders to confirm the presence of underlying disease and start additional treatment.

Recurrence

Despite all efforts, some horses experience unexpected relapses, and early detection of these can be essential for your horse’s survival. Discuss with your veterinary surgeon how to detect the early signs and how to feel a digital pulse.

For Laminitis Risk Factors, click here

With thanks to XL Equine Vets

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Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012). Qualifications include a Ba Hons in Marketing Management and Diploma in Equine Studies. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses since a young child and has over a decade of experience in news writing and magazine content publication in the equestrian industry.