Contrary to myth, laminitis occurs all year-round and not just in the spring. It is an emergency that needs prompt action so find out how to recognise it and what to do if your horse is showing signs
Laminitis in horses is a very serious and potentially agonising condition. Every case should be dealt with promptly and the condition should never be underestimated.
Laminitis can occur in two forms:
Acute laminitis is the early stage of the disease when the animal is uncomfortable and showing signs of lameness, but major damage has not yet happened within the hoof. The chances of recovery are maximised if treatment is started early.
Chronic laminitis is when the pedal bone sinks or rotates within the hoof (pictured top), leading to permanent damage. These cases are not necessarily such an emergency as the acute attacks, as damage to the foot has already occurred, but a vet should be contacted if the horse or pony is in pain.
Recognising laminitis in horses
In severe cases, animals will be unable to move. They may be panting, sweating and leaning back on their heels, trying to take their weight off their feet. In the worst cases, they will lie down and be unable to stand — this can be confused with colic.
This is obviously urgent and you should contact your vet immediately. In milder cases the signs are more subtle, but they include:
- Hooves that feel hot and feet that are painful with pressure to the sole
- A tendency for the horse to stand with its legs stretched forward, while leaning backward, to ease his weight off his feet
- Mild cases will constantly shift their weight from foot to foot as they try to find the least painful way of weight-bearing
- The pain of laminitis means that the horse’s pulse and respiratory rate rise
Frequently, a prominent pulse is obvious where the horse’s digital artery runs over the fetlock. In a severe case, this digital pulse (which is where the blood flows into the foot) will be pounding on all four feet.
Mild, chronic laminitis can be confused with other sorts of lameness. Look out for the following:
- A pony that ‘feels his feet’ and so may be intermittently lame, especially on rough ground
- Foot soreness or lameness after shoeing
- Odd shaped feet — indicated by rings in the hoof wall that are wider at the heel than at the toe. Dropped soles, with wider than normal white lines, and flat feet are also common
- Recurrent hoof infections, due to the weak horn growth
- Visible red bruising within the hoof, particularly obvious when the farrier trims the horse’s feet
If you suspect laminitis
First, contact the vet. Severe cases will need painkillers and other treatment urgently — this may include frog supports, medication to control blood pressure, and treating any underlying illness that may be causing the laminitis — while mild, chronic cases will require planned action involving both vet and farrier. If laminitis is suspected, never force the horse to walk or exercise.
It is possible to tape frog supports onto the feet to help relieve pressure on the laminae. There are now several types of tape-on support available, from purpose-designed pads or rubber wedges to homemade bandage supports. Purpose-designed frog supports can be obtained from the Laminitis Clinic – visit: www.laminitisclinic.org. If you are unsure how to apply frog supports, consult your vet.
If your horse or pony appears to be reluctant to move due to laminitis while out at grass, it may help to fit frog supports before slowly bringing them in or travelling them home, ideally in a low-loading trailer.
All laminitis cases should be box-rested, ideally on non-edible bedding. A very deep bed (40-50cm) of dust-free shavings is best. This can act as support for the feet nearly as effectively as — and more simply than — frog supports. Allow affected horses to lie down and rest their feet.
Total box rest is important. This should continue for at least 30 days, during which the diet needs to be adjusted to ensure that the horse’s weight is controlled. It is crucial that any overweight laminitic loses weight, but this must be a gradual process. Consult your vet or equine nutritionist for advice.