Brief Description
Laminitis is inflammation of laminae, the tiny interlocking fingers that attach the coffin bone to the rest of the hoof. A complex sequence of events occurs during laminitis, resulting in inflammation of these laminae. When the inflammation is severe enough, the laminae die and the coffin bone is no longer supported in the hoof. If the bone rotates or sinks in the hoof, the horse is said to have “foundered.”
The leading cause of laminitis is pasture (grass sugar) overload, but it can occur after any number of inflammatory conditions in the body, including:
- Grain (sugar) overload
- Colic or diarrhea
- Uterine infection or retained placenta
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome (insulin resistance) or Cushing’s Disease
- Excess weight-bearing on a limb
- Infections in the blood, lungs or other organs
The classic signs of laminitis include:
- Shifting weight from foot to foot
- Painful-looking gait (described as “walking on eggshells”)
- Classic founder stance (leaning back so hind feet bear more weight)
- Warm feet, bounding digital pulses
- Sweating, increased heart and respiratory rates
- Reluctance to move or get up from lying down
Possible Diagnostic Tests
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination to determine the extent of the laminitis and to discover what may have caused it. He or she may take X-rays initially as a baseline and again a few weeks later to look for differences in the position of the coffin bone.
Prescription Medications Available
Generally, most horses with laminitis benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like “bute” for pain and swelling. If the laminitis is due to a GI disturbance such as colic or diarrhea, Banamine (flunixin meglumine) may be administered to fight endotoxins. Antibiotics will be given if infection is present. Sometimes medications that dilate blood vessels, such as acepromazine or isoxsuprine, are prescribed to help encourage better circulation in the foot. Horses that develop laminitis due to Cushing’s Disease may need to receive daily pergolide and/or cyproheptadine to manage the underlying condition. Thyro-L (levothyroxine) is being investigated as a treatment for the insulin resistance seen in Equine Metabolic Syndrome and may be a useful prescription drug to help prevent laminitis.
Supplements that May Lend Support
Supplementing with essential fatty acids has been shown to prevent laminitis caused by sugar overload. Once a horse has developed laminitis, there may still be a role for Omega 3 Fatty Acids because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E are also appropriate. Horses that develop laminitis due to Equine Metabolic Syndrome may benefit from Chromium and Magnesium which have been shown to support proper insulin and glucose (sugar) metabolism. Because healthy hoof re-growth is important, supplements that contain Biotin, Methionine and Zinc may be recommended.
Other Management Suggestions
It is very important to provide mechanical support to the hoof during a bout of laminitis, and your veterinarian and farrier should work together to accomplish this. At first, stall rest may be recommended. Later, as the horse becomes more comfortable, short periods of hand walking may help increase circulation to the damaged hoof tissue.
Depending on the cause of the laminitis, your horse may be put on a restricted diet. If caused by pasture or grain overload, or if Cushing’s Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome are suspected, then grass, grain, treats and other foods high in sugar may be off limits. A vitamin/mineral supplement may be necessary to meet minimum nutrient requirements for horses on restricted diets.
Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
- Why did my horse develop laminitis?
- Is he now more likely to develop it again?
- Will I be able to ride him again?
For more information on this topic or general horse care information, contact a SmartPak Product Specialist at 1-800-461-8898 or visit the website at www.SmartPakEquine.com
Article provided by SmartPak.
Dr. Lydia Gray is the Medical Director/Staff Veterinarian for SmartPak, where she guides research and new product development, answers questions on her Ask the Vet blog, and speaks around the country at various events such as Equine Affaire, Dressage at Devon, and the USHJA Trainers’ Symposiums. |
