RVC Equine Laminitis Facts and Research

What is Laminitis?

• A common, painful, and recurrent condition in horses, ponies, and donkeys.
• Affects tissues (laminae) binding the hoof wall to the pedal bone.
• Can cause the pedal bone to sink or rotate, potentially penetrating the sole in severe cases.
• Responsible for over 7% of equine deaths.

Causes of Equine Laminitis

1. Diseases with Inflammation

   • Examples: Colic, diarrhea, retained placenta, severe pneumonia.
   • Involves activation of inflammation throughout the body leading to lamellar inflammation.

2. Endocrine (Hormone) Disease

   • Examples: Equine Cushings disease (PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).
   • Insulin plays a key role but sequence of events is unclear.

3. Mechanical Overload - Supporting Limb Laminitis (SLL)

   • Result of excessive weight bearing due to fracture or infected joint in another leg.
   • Inadequate blood supply to lamellar tissue.

Can a horse die from laminitis?

• Horses may not die directly but can be euthanized if prognosis is poor or treatment fails.

Can a farrier cause laminitis?

• Not documented, but lack of care can lead to stress and laminitis.

Clinical Signs of Equine Laminitis

• Lameness affecting at least two limbs.
• Leaning back onto heels.
• Worsened lameness on hard ground or turning.
• Shifting weight between feet while resting.
• Increased digital pulses.
• Pain at the frog point.

What to do if Laminitis is Suspected

• Call a vet immediately.
• Box rest the horse, provide a deep bed and fresh water.
• Feed a diet based on poor quality hay.

Diagnosis of Equine Laminitis

• Based on clinical signs.
• X-rays to check pedal bone position.
• Blood tests for underlying endocrine diseases.

Treatment of Equine Laminitis

• A medical emergency requiring urgent vet attention.
• Medicines: NSAIDs (e.g., phenylbutazone, flunixin), opiates (e.g., morphine).
• Foot Support: Deep bed, frog supports, or sole combined supports.
• Box Rest and Dietary Changes: Poor quality hay, no concentrates.
• Treat underlying conditions, e.g., PPID with pergolide.

Feeding a Horse with Laminitis

• Poor quality hay at 1.5% of body weight.
• Soaked hay to reduce carbohydrates.
• Avoid cereal-based concentrates.

Recovery and Management

• Recovery takes weeks to months.
• Once affected, horses are at risk of future episodes.

Prevention of Laminitis

• Inflammation/Sepsis: Prompt treatment and cooling the feet.
• Endocrine Disorders: Treat underlying conditions, reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Mechanical Overload: Use of supports in high-risk animals.

Key Points

• Laminitis is debilitating with various underlying causes.
• Quick veterinary assessment and treatment are crucial.
• Pain control and dietary adjustments are critical.
• Management changes can minimize recurrence risk.