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What is Laminitis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Laminitis is an extremely painful condition which affects horses and other hoofed animals. The condition causes the lamellar tissues of the hoof to slowly die and disintegrate, causing the bones of the leg to rotate or sink through the hoof. The condition can be so painful that it requires euthanization, as it can be very difficult to treat. Veterinarians estimate that laminitis may be among the leading causes of death for horses, despite efforts to understand and combat the condition.

Before delving into the details of the condition, it may help to think about hoof anatomy. The hoof of an animal is attached to the body by the coffin bone, which is networked with the hoof through a series of small structures called laminae. In a healthy animal, the coffin bone is entirely covered in the hoof, with the weight of the animal distributed evenly across the laminae and the greater structure of the hoof. In a case of laminitis, these laminae start to disintegrate, meaning that the weight of the animal is not properly supported.

Laminitis affects horses and other hoofed animals.
Laminitis affects horses and other hoofed animals.

The condition is characterized by trembling, anxiety, sweating, and an increased pulse along the affected limb. Laminitis tends to strike the front hooves more often, since they bear a greater proportion of the animal's weight. The animal will also adopt a strange stance in an effort to reduce the pain of laminitis, and it may develop a mincing, hobbling walk. If the condition progresses, the bones of the ankle and hoof may sink through the hoof to the ground, in a condition known as founder. They may also twist or distort, causing extreme pain.

Eating too much grain may cause laminitis.
Eating too much grain may cause laminitis.

The condition appears to be caused through blood congestion and an accumulation of toxins in the hoof, and it is often associated with inflammation. The causes vary; high feeding of grain, systemic infection, excessive drinking of cold water, and exercise on hard surfaces appear to be be related to laminitis. The condition has also occurred in horses who are introduced to lush pasture too quickly, and in horses with sensitivity to sugar.

Laminitis can occur in horses who are introduced to a pasture too quickly.
Laminitis can occur in horses who are introduced to a pasture too quickly.

Reducing the pain of laminitis is one of the primary concerns in treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed, and the animal is stabled on soft material. Corrective shoeing may also be used to distribute weight more evenly and make the animal's life more comfortable. The condition is not entirely curable, but it can be managed and many horses live with laminitis for years. However, there is a risk of flareup, and some cases simply cannot be treated; euthanization is the most humane humane option in these instances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is laminitis in horses?

Laminitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the tissues (laminae) that bond the hoof wall to the pedal (coffin) bone in a horse's hoof. It disrupts blood flow to the laminae, causing swelling and damage, which can lead to lameness and significant changes in the hoof's structure. If untreated, it can result in the pedal bone rotating within the hoof or sinking, leading to severe lameness or even necessitating euthanasia.

What causes laminitis in horses?

Laminitis can be triggered by various factors, including excessive intake of carbohydrates (grain overload), prolonged high-load work on hard surfaces, severe colic, retained placenta in broodmares, or systemic infections. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, metabolic conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's Disease are also significant risk factors for developing laminitis.

What are the signs of laminitis in horses?

Early signs of laminitis include lameness, especially when turning, heat in the hooves, increased digital pulse, and pain in the toe region when pressure is applied. As the condition progresses, horses may exhibit a sawhorse stance, with the front legs extended forward and back legs under the body to alleviate pressure on the painful front hooves, according to the American Farriers Journal.

How is laminitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of laminitis typically involves a thorough examination by a veterinarian, including a review of the horse's history, clinical signs, and a physical examination focusing on the hooves. Radiographs (X-rays) are often used to assess the alignment of the bones within the hoof and to monitor the progression of the disease.

Can laminitis be treated?

While laminitis can be managed, it requires prompt and aggressive treatment. This includes addressing the underlying cause, providing pain relief, reducing inflammation, and supporting the hoof with proper trimming and shoeing. In some cases, specialized treatments such as cryotherapy (icing) may be recommended in the early stages to prevent further damage, as suggested by veterinary research.

How can laminitis be prevented?

Preventing laminitis involves managing risk factors such as diet control to prevent obesity, avoiding high sugar and starch feeds, ensuring regular exercise, and maintaining proper hoof care. Monitoring horses with metabolic disorders closely and providing appropriate medication can also reduce the risk. It's crucial to work with a veterinarian and a farrier to develop a comprehensive prevention strategy.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Laminitis affects horses and other hoofed animals.
      By: Monkey Business
      Laminitis affects horses and other hoofed animals.
    • Eating too much grain may cause laminitis.
      By: CofkoCof
      Eating too much grain may cause laminitis.
    • Laminitis can occur in horses who are introduced to a pasture too quickly.
      By: Hauke-Chr. Dittrich
      Laminitis can occur in horses who are introduced to a pasture too quickly.