Laminitis in Horses - A Serious Condition That Must Be Treated Immediately

Laminitis in horses is a very serious condition that- Stress or shock
affects the feet and makes it very painful for theThe most common symptom of laminitis is
horse to walk and even stand. Laminitis can belameness. Your horses feet will become
caused by several factors and if you suspect thatextremely sore and it will be painful for him to
your horse has laminitis you should beginwalk. Most of the time laminitis will only affect the
treatment as soon as possible. This condition willfront feet, however it is not uncommon for the
not get better on its own and will only get worsehind feet to be affected as well. If all four feet
if not treated immediately. Below is some veryare sore your horse will spend most of his time
important information that you should know aboutlaying down and may even refuse to get up.
laminitis.Other symptoms include anxiety, glazed eyes and
Some of the most common causes of laminitis inincreased breathing due to the pain.
horses include:If you suspect that your horse has laminitis you
- Eating too much grain (this often happens whenshould immediately start treatment. If this
a horse breaks into the feed room and gorgescondition is not treated soon enough your horse
himself on feed)can founder and then the real problems begin.
- Lush pasture (eating too much grass especiallyFounder can cause permanent damage to your
spring grass can cause laminitis in horses)horses feet and some horses will never fully
- Too much work on a hard surfacerecover from founder. Laminitis in horses should
- Overweight horses that do not get enoughnot be taken lightly and at the first sign of
exerciselameness you should contact your veterinarian to
- Drinking large amounts of cold water whenmake a diagnosis. With immediate and proper
overheatedtreatment your horse should make a full
- Prolonged transportationrecovery.