Laminitis-An inflammation of the laminae of the equine foot.

An overly simplified definition for a very complex condition. There are actually three phases or stages of the disease and it is important that horse owners have a basic understanding of each, both to help prevent the condition or to be better prepared if your horse is afflicted. The three stages include the developmental stage, the acute stage and the chronic stage. While the focus of this text is carbohydrate overload, it is important to understand the condition can be triggered by colic, overexertion, or even by inadequate hoofcare.

The developmental stage begins when the horse comes in contact with the catalyst that triggers the onset of laminitis and ends at the first sign of lameness. Many times this stage goes unnoticed, unless of course you catch your horse with his head in the now empty grain bin or you find that he has escaped into the next door neighbor’s alfalfa field and is munching happily. A common catalyst that is often times overlooked is a change in hay. Whether it is a different supplier or even from a different field of the same supplier, care should be taken to insure they are of similar nutrition makeup. It is important for horse owners to understand that there is a definitive link between carbohydrate overload and laminitis. The excess carbohydrates, specifically fructan, pass into the hindgut and ferments. The fermentation process causes a rapid procreation of the bacteria streptocci within the hindgut. While the exact relationship between the bacteria and laminitis is still being investigated, research has confirmed that if the bacterium makes it into the bloodstream it can trigger an increase in an enzyme which signals the laminae to detach from the hoof wall. In the cases when you know your horse has ingested excessive grain or rich pasture you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for guidance. It is also wise to contact your hoofcare practitioner for advice and give him forewarning that there may be a need to have him out if lameness develops.

Acute laminitis begins at the onset of lameness and is accompanied by noticeable heat in the affected feet, as well as, a pounding digital pulse. It is critical at this stage to work with both your veterinarian and hoofcare provider to assist in keeping the horse as comfortable as possible and minimize the amount of damage to the laminae of the feet. It is a common practice to administer a vasodilator and pain medication at this stage. While I do not have a problem with the judicial use of medications, I feel the use of excessive pain medication can cause more harm then good. While nobody wants to see their horse in pain, it’s the pain that is preventing him from excessive movement which can cause more damage. It is also of paramount importance to remove all grain and pasture from the horse’s diet, substituting them with grass hay, preferably soaked. At this point, it is prudent to remove the shod horse’s shoes and many times apply taped on Styrofoam pads.

Continual lameness over 48 hours ushers in the last stage of chronic laminitis or what many times we refer to as founder. This stage is most times accompanied by a rotation of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. A proper set of radiographs is necessary at this stage to guide the trimmer. Frequent and proper trimming, along with the use of Styrofoam pads and hoof boots can lessen the horse’s discomfort and speed the healing process. At this point both a controlled diet and constant turn out will also help set up an environment for healing. I do not believe it’s in the horse’s best interest to nail shoes on, both because of the trauma of nailing and the restriction of the natural processes necessary for healing. While each case must be treated individually, this basic philosophy is the cornerstone for treating the foundered horse using natural hoofcare principles, regardless of what method of trimming is utilized. I believe one of the reasons you are hearing more and more about natural hoofcare is its success in treating the laminitic horse.

This is in no way meant to be a comprehensive explanation of laminitis, but a simplified overview to introduce the reader to a complex and still not totally understood disease. I hope it offers some insight and creates a desire to explore the topic further, both for your own understanding and your horse’s well-being. There are several links on my website to aide you in investigating further. Yet remember the old adage, “prevention is the best medicine”. Controlling your horse’s diet, as well as, regular and proper hoofcare is perhaps the best preventative. Until next month, God Bless you and your equine partners.