Damn Laminitis!

Before I owned horses, I’d never heard of laminitis. I knew the term ‘lame’ but only from the old bible stories. When my horse has suspected of laminitis, I thought the worst. But thankfully, it occurs in many horses and it is treatable, so don’t panic.

I dived on the internet, opened my owner’s manual, and started reading up. If you are a new horse owner, read on, it might help.

One of the most common and potentially life-threatening conditions that affect horses is Laminitis. Therefore, in this article, I will provide as comprehensive overview as I can of Laminitis and how to recognise, treat, and prevent this condition.

What is Laminitis?

Laminitis is a condition that affects the hooves of horses. It is characterized by the inflammation of the sensitive laminae, the soft tissues that connect the hoof wall to the pedal bone. The inflammation can cause the laminae to weaken and detach, leading to a range of symptoms, including lameness, heat in the hooves, and an increased digital pulse.

Recognizing Laminitis

Early recognition of laminitis is crucial to prevent it from worsening. Here are some of the common symptoms that horse owners should watch out for:

• Sudden lameness or reluctance to walk or stand
• Heat in the hooves
• An increased digital pulse in the affected limb
• Shifting weight from one limb to the other
• Standing with the front legs stretched forward
• Soreness when picking up the feet
• Changes in the horse’s gait
• Reluctance to move or exercise

Treating Laminitis

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from laminitis, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment. Here are some of the common treatment options for laminitis:

• Pain relief: Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to relieve the horse’s discomfort.
• Supportive shoeing: Proper shoeing can help alleviate the pressure on the affected hooves and support the pedal bone.
• Dietary changes: A horse’s diet plays a critical role in the management of laminitis. Your veterinarian may recommend a low-carbohydrate diet, restricting access to lush pasture and limiting the intake of grains and sweet feeds.
• Rest: Rest is crucial for the horse’s recovery. Your veterinarian may recommend stall rest, with limited or no turnout, depending on the severity of the condition.
• Therapy: Cold therapy, bandaging, and other forms of supportive care may be recommended by your veterinarian to help relieve the horse’s discomfort.

Preventing Laminitis

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some of the ways that you can reduce the risk of your horse developing laminitis:

• Monitor your horse’s diet: Ensure that your horse’s diet is well-balanced and does not contain excessive amounts of carbohydrates. Provide access to clean, fresh water at all times.
• Limit pasture access: Horses that are at risk of developing laminitis should have restricted access to lush pasture. You can use a grazing muzzle or keep the horse in a dry lot.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of laminitis.
• Regular hoof care: Regular hoof care, including trimming and shoeing, can help maintain proper balance and reduce the risk of laminitis.

Laminitis is a serious condition that can have severe consequences for your horse’s health and well-being. Early recognition, proper treatment, and prevention are crucial to ensure the best possible outcome. If you suspect that your horse is suffering from laminitis, contact your veterinarian immediately. By following the tips provided in this guide, you can help reduce the risk of your horse developing this condition and ensure their long-term health and well-being.