What is Laminitis?
What Is Laminitis?
Laminitis, also known as founder, is a painful and potentially serious condition that affects the hooves of horses and other equids.
Laminitis occurs when the sensitive laminae, which are the tiny, finger-like structures that connect the hoof wall to the bones inside the hoof, become inflamed and damaged. This can cause the laminae to weaken and break down, leading to a separation between the hoof wall and the underlying bone.
The exact cause of laminitis is not fully understood, but it can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Overeating, especially of rich or sugary feed
- Endocrine disorders such as equine metabolic syndrome or Cushing's disease
- Systemic illnesses such as colitis or pneumonia
- Trauma to the hoof, such as from a severe blow or prolonged standing on hard surfaces
- Excessive weight-bearing on one limb due to lameness in the opposite limb
Symptoms of laminitis can include:
- Lameness or reluctance to move
- Shifting weight from foot to foot
- Heat in the hoof or hoof wall
- Increased digital pulse in the affected limb
- Painful reaction when pressure is applied to the sole or frog of the hoof
- Abnormal hoof growth or shape
If left untreated, laminitis can lead to permanent damage to the hoof and underlying bone, as well as other complications such as sepsis or founder rotation, where the bone inside the hoof rotates or sinks. Treatment typically involves relieving pain and reducing inflammation, managing the underlying cause of the condition, and providing supportive care such as appropriate hoof care, medications, and dietary changes.
