Laminitis and what to do about it

Laminitis is a painful condition that’s all too common in horses and ponies. What is it and what you can do to prevent it?

Laminitis, or founder, is a condition that affects the laminae of the foot – the soft tissue structures that attach the pedal bone to the hoof wall. Not only is it excruciating, but it can lead to separation and rotation of the pedal bone.

Laminitis is an entirely preventable condition, but one that is not curable once your horse has it. Failure to manage it can result in death.

Symptoms for laminitis are often easy to spot. Your horse may not want to move, or will try to distribute the weight of their feet to the least-affected ones. If the pain is too severe, they will lie down and may not let you pick up a hoof to investigate.

The soft tissue around the top of the hoof (coronary band) and the hoof wall will be warm and digital pulses rapid and strong. If your vet tries to assess the hoof pain with a tester, it can be very painful for the horse.

In severe, ongoing cases, the symptoms can be more serious. The hoof wall will be slipper-shaped with long toes, and there can be laminitic rings which show the horse has had the condition before. There may also be a bulge in the sole where the pedal bone has rotated in the hoof.

Overfeeding is one of the leading causes of laminitis. Ponies, in particular, are susceptible, especially during spring. After rainfall, there is an increase in soluble carbohydrates in grass and clover. When your pony or horse eats it, metabolic changes can occur, resulting in altered blood flow to the laminae of the foot.

While spring feed is a common cause; overfeeding grain, retained placentas in post-foaling mares, obesity, and septicaemic illnesses may also cause laminitis. Trauma from incorrect hoof trimming, working unshod horses on hard ground, and lameness can also be to blame.

As soon as you suspect laminitis, seek veterinary care. If laminitis is diagnosed they can get right to work on a treatment plan. Care options may include X-rays to find out the severity of pedal bone rotation, removal of the cause, anti-inflammatories, hoof care, and dietary changes.

Prevention is paramount. Feed a balanced diet, restrict lush pasture access, and get regular hoof care.

Always consult your veterinary clinic if you have any questions or concerns.