Laminitis, also known as founder, is a common disease in horses and ponies. Laminitis involves inflammation between the coffin bone and the hoof wall. Because the inflammation has no outlet, a lot of pressure builds up in the hoof. This can cause heat and pain. The inflammation can weaken the connection between the coffin bone and the outer hoof capsule, causing the coffin bone to rotate and then push through the sole.

Cause of Laminitis

Laminitis in horses can have various causes. Certain conditions, including Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's, can increase susceptibility to laminitis. This is because these conditions often lead to insulin resistance and changes in sugar metabolism. Overweight can also disrupt sugar metabolism. Disturbances in hormone balance, for example, due to medication intake, can also be a cause.

If there is a disease elsewhere in the body, the present bacteria can form toxins that are released into the bloodstream and then end up in the hoof. This can alter blood flow and lead to laminitis. Overload of hooves due to injuries, recovery from another hoof, or prolonged walking on a hard road can also be causes.

Finally, fructan is a possible cause of laminitis. Fructan cannot be broken down by a horse's intestines. It is rapidly fermented in the intestines, releasing lactic acid. This acidification can kill beneficial bacteria, causing toxins to enter the blood.

Symptoms of Laminitis

Laminitis can be recognized by warm hooves, stiff movement, a thickened and painful coronary band, and sensitivity of the frog's apex. Other symptoms include relieving the hooves, lameness, restlessness, fever, sweating, and wanting to lie down a lot. A horse with laminitis may also stand with extended front legs and lean backward to relieve its front legs. If the horse is affected in all legs, they often position the front legs slightly back and the hind legs slightly forward to distribute their weight.

Treatment of Laminitis

If a horse has laminitis, it is important to contact the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian often prescribes medications that relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In very severe cases, if the coffin bone sinks, rotates, and protrudes through the sole, laminitis can even lead to euthanasia. Therefore, if laminitis is suspected, it is wise to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible so that early action can be taken. Because laminitis is often caused by a metabolic disorder, it is important to identify the cause so that the correct treatment can be given. To determine the cause, the veterinarian can perform a blood test.

The farrier can also be called in for an affected horse. The farrier can apply special shoeing that provides counter-pressure to the coffin bone, which can prevent further rotation of the coffin bone and relieve pain.

Furthermore, it is important that a horse with laminitis is fed a simple diet. It is advisable not to put the horse in the pasture, as the sugars from the grass can be harmful. For example, you can put the horse on a sandy surface. Wetting the sand and rinsing the hooves with cold water can help cool the hooves and relieve pain. Always ensure a dry place where the horse can lie down.

Preventing Laminitis

There are several measures you can take to prevent laminitis in horses. When your horse is allowed back in the pasture, ensure a good transition from the stable to the pasture. This can be done, for example, by putting the horse in the pasture a little longer each day or by strip grazing. Try to avoid pastures with short grass, as this contains relatively high amounts of sugar. It is also wise to keep an eye on the fructan content. A helpful tool for this is the fructan index. This is an index that shows the fructan content based on current weather information. Several factors, such as grass type, fertilization, and amount of sun, influence the fructan content. It is important to consider these factors as well.

Furthermore, it may be wise to be careful with sugary feed. A feeding plan adapted to your horse's needs can help with this. Finally, it is important to keep an eye on the afterbirth in mares that are foaling. If it is not visible within 4 hours, it is advisable to contact the veterinarian.