| Laminitis is a common and serious disease of the | | | | be part-fed with feed that is low in carbohydrates |
| hoof. The term 'laminitis' refers to damage to the | | | | and high in fiber. In addition to restricting the |
| 'laminae', which is the connective tissue which | | | | absolute amount, one should also introduce horses |
| connects the hoof bones to the hoof wall. When | | | | gradually to rich feeds or pasture, both to allow |
| this tissue is damaged, the hoof bones can move | | | | their systems to adjust (note that there is a |
| out of position, potentially causing problems such | | | | maximum limit to which they can adjust) and also |
| as: | | | | to avoid the additional risk of gorging. One means |
| - Rotation of the hoof bones within the hoof. | | | | to restrict the amount of grass eaten, while still |
| - The hoof bones sinking down lower into the | | | | allowing the horse access to pasture, is to use a |
| hoof, in extreme cases penetrating the sole of | | | | grazing muzzle. |
| the hoof. | | | | The second most common cause is mechanical |
| - Damage to various tissues and blood vessels, | | | | separation. In this case, the hoof laminae is |
| due to bone movement and/or inflamation and/or | | | | damaged by repeated hard shocks to the hoof |
| other hoof changes associated with damage to | | | | (e.g. prolonged or frequent running over hard |
| the laminae. | | | | surfaces). This often occurs in competition horses, |
| - Permanent changes to the hoof growth | | | | such as racehorses which are frequently run over |
| mechanisms, resulting in abnormal growth patterns | | | | hard ground or jumping horses which are worked |
| (e.g. flattened or convex sole, visible rings in the | | | | on hard ground. To minimise the risk of laminitis |
| hoof wall, separation between hoof wall and sole). | | | | through such activities: |
| The severity of laminitis varies depending on a | | | | - Avoid use of the horse on hard surfaces. When |
| number of factors; but the more severe cases | | | | it is neccessary to travel on hard surfaces, |
| can leave the horse disabled or even crippled. In | | | | reduce the pace of the horse as a walking horse |
| many cases, it results in euthanasia of horses | | | | will have less shock to its feet than a running |
| either for humane reasons (laminitis can be | | | | horse. |
| extremely painful and crippling) or because the | | | | - Ensure that feet are correctly trimmed. In |
| horse is no longer able to perform its required | | | | particular, avoid over-trimming and trimming for |
| activities. | | | | long toes. If the horse has shoes, ensure that the |
| The term 'founder' is related to 'laminitis', but is | | | | shoeing is done by a competent professional. |
| used in different ways. Some people use the | | | | - Shock absorbing shoes and boots are being |
| term founder to mean any type of laminitis, | | | | increasing used, even in competitions, to protect |
| others to describe the more severe forms of | | | | not only against laminitis but other shock-related |
| laminitis (e.g. when the hoof bone moves and | | | | injuries. |
| penetrates the sole of the hoof). | | | | - Avoid over-feeding your horse, as obesity |
| Laminitis has various cause but the two main | | | | increases the risk of laminitis and other illnesses. |
| causes are : | | | | The third most common cause of laminitis is |
| - Toxins. The release of certain toxins (poisons) | | | | toxins: |
| into the blood stream will result in damage to the | | | | - Monitor your horse so that you can quickly |
| liminae. Such toxins can result from external | | | | identify and treat illnesses. In toxic-related laminitis, |
| sources (e.g. what the horse eats), internal | | | | prompt medical action can minimise the damage. |
| sources (e.g. toxins produced by an infection) and | | | | - Ensure that their food does not contain fungus, |
| in some cases certain medications. | | | | mold, or chemicals (e.g. herbicides). Ensure that |
| - Mechanical. Repeated shocks to the hoof (e.g. | | | | they are not exposed to any chemicals in their |
| running over a hard surface for a long time) can | | | | environment. |
| damage the liminae.he main cause of laminitis in | | | | - After a mare has given birth, ensure that none |
| developed countries (e.g. UK, USA) is food which | | | | of the placenta (after birth) remains inside, as this |
| is too high in carbohydrates or nitrogen. | | | | can cause toxic blood poisoning. |
| Consequently, one needs to avoid excessive | | | | - Prior to any treatment involving steroids or |
| amounts of rich feeds (e.g. grain) or lush pasture, | | | | hormones, verify with your veterinarian that the |
| with special care being taken with ponies or horse | | | | doses do not pose a risk of laminitis. |
| breeds which are most sensitive. For the most | | | | For more details on laminitis prevention, as well as |
| sensitive breeds (especially if there is obesity as | | | | its diagnosis and treatment, see the reference |
| well), even normal grass may be too rich and | | | | below. |
| they may need to be kept on 'poor' pasture or | | | | |