Eurodressage Cover Story

Laminitis Is a Very Complex Disease

A very basic definition of laminitis is an inflammation of the laminae which is the sensitive tissue that connects the inner hoof wall to the distal phalanx. It is the most serious disease of the equine hoof and is induced by multiple, apparently unrelated causes that result in an acute and/or chronic lameness condition. Laminitis is sometimes difficult to diagnose in the early stages. In my experience, I have seen cases where horses were thought to have navicular syndrome, a sole abscess, or pedal osteitis when in fact, it turned out to be laminitis. If you are unsure, it is important to get a second opinion.

Some of the common causes of laminitis are as follows:

• Overfeeding of grain to inactive horses (carbohydrate overload)
• Spring grass affects some horses after they have been on hay all winter
• Mature fescue grass
• Various stress factors
• Abnormal concussion because of trimming and/or shoeing, i.e. long toe/low heel
• Feet that are unbalanced (shod or unshod)
• Unilateral lameness for an extended period of time
• Neglect of the foot, i.e. too long between shoeings or trimming, inconsistent cleaning of the foot
• Excessive concussion
• Abnormal weight bearing
• Overwork for the level of conditioning
• Drinking too much cold water too fast when hot
• High fever for an extended period of time
• Ingesting toxic plants
• Molds that can be found in hay and grain
• Retained placenta
• High blood pressure
• Pneumonia
• Pleuritis
• Potomac Horse Fever
• Cushings Syndrome
• Serious systemic disease/infection
• It may be the result of some changes of the cardiovascular system, endocrine, renal, and gastro intestinal system

One of the most important things to remember is that laminitis is very often a secondary syndrome following an existing injury or disease. For example, a horse that has just undergone an episode of colic or colic surgery is at risk. A horse that has an abscess or injury on the left front and cannot bear his normal weight on that leg is at great risk to develop laminitis on the opposite foot and once that happens, the chances for the other foot to become laminitic are much greater.

Although there are many additional factors that could cause laminitis, the above list comprises the most common causes. Again, good management of the horse is the key to prevention and the reader can use this list of common causes to examine their own management program.

...
Back or to Next Page of the Article