Laminitis Article
Laminitis
Every day veterinarians across the country see hundreds of cases of laminitis, a painful disease that affects the feet of horses. Laminitis results from the disruption of blood flow to the sensitive and insensitive laminae within the foot, which secure the coffin bone to the hoof wall. 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.
As a horse owner, it is important to recognize the signs of laminitis and seek veterinary help immediately. Signs of acute laminitis include the following:
Lameness, especially when a horse is turning in circles; shifting lameness when standing
Heat in the feet
Increased digital pulse in the feet
Pain in the toe region when pressure is applied with hoof testers
Reluctant or hesitant gait, as if “walking on eggshells”
A “sawhorse stance,” with the front feet stretched out in front to alleviate pressure on the toes and the hind feet “camped out” or positioned farther back than normal to bear more weight
Signs of chronic laminitis may include the following:
Rings in hoof wall that become wider as they are followed from toe to heel
Bruised soles or “stone bruises”
Widened white line, commonly called “seedy toe,” with occurrence of blood pockets and/or abscesses
Dropped soles or flat feet
Thick, “cresty” neck
Dished hooves, which are the result of unequal rates of hoof growth
If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance for recovery. For information about laminitis, ask your equine veterinarian or for information on-line: Laminitis: Prevention and Treatment is a comprehensive article provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
This is an example how a horse may appear during a laminitic episode - a “rocked back” stance, reluctant to move, hunched up through the hack and hips.
In the above photograph you will see what an acute case of founder may look like. Possible the initial signs may be more subtle, but as the discomfort increases the horses will often rock back, try not to bear full weight on their front feet and have a hunched up appearance to their back.
Often the farriers may identify the signs early, contacting your Veterinarian at that point is appropriate and from there plans can be made.
