Laminitis is an inflammatory condition where the tissues that bond the hoof wall to the pedal bone in the horse’s hoof weaken. Damage to this tissue (laminae) can mean that it is unable to hold the pedal bone in place properly. In all cases, laminitis is and should be treated as a life threatening condition requiring urgent veterinary attention.
There are a number of reasons why a horse can suffer with laminitis – it might be commonly associated with fat native ponies, but thoroughbreds and all other breeds can suffer too, so be on your guard.
Laminitis can be caused by:
- Poor digestion
- Overeating rich grass that contains high levels of sugars called fructans
- A high intake of sugar and starch
- Cushing’s disease -a condition associated with an abnormality in the pituitary gland. As well as symptoms such as excessive thirst, urination, sweating etc., horses can suffer from recurrent bouts of laminitis
- Metabolic changes
- Stress – e.g. from long distance travel, changes in the horse’s environment etc.
- As a follow-up to an infection e.g. in a mare that has foaled and retained the placenta
- The after effects of severe colic or prolonged diarrhoea
- As a result of excessive doses of some drugs
- High insulin levels
- Concussion from riding on hard surfaces
- Injury to a leg, meaning excessive weight bearing on another
- It can be a result of the horse being overweight/obese
Careful management is key to preventing some types of laminitis, but some causes, as shown in the list above, are much more difficult to prevent. If you’re concerned that your horse has laminitis, call you vet immediately. If you’re worried about your horse getting laminitis, speak to your vet for guidance.