Laminitis causes crippling lameness associated with intense pain that shortens horses’ athletic careers, negatively impacts quality of life, and all-too-frequently prompts euthanasia.

Laminitis — damage and/or inflammation of the lamellae — affects an estimated 7–14% of the world’s equine population. The tiny, interwoven lamellae attach a horse’s hoof to the underlying coffin bone, singlehandedly supporting the animal’s entire weight. Anything diminishing the lamellae’s integrity, such as inflammation, weakens their hold, causing the coffin bone to displace (rotate or sink) within the hoof capsule. 

Download this free fact sheet to learn more about recognizing, treating, and preventing laminitis in horses.