Laminitis was the primary focus of the Second International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot, held Nov. 10-11 in West Palm Beach, Fla. This conference is held every other year and sponsored in large part by John K. and Marianne Castle, whose Appaloosa Spot had chronic laminitis secondary to Cushing’s disease and died from colic years ago. There are several other private and corporate sponsors.

Course director James A. Orsini, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, associate professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, said teamwork among veterinarians, farriers, researchers, and owners to solve the mysteries of laminitis is needed.

For example, he said, “The more researchers understand about the work of veterinarians and farriers, the more researchers can develop research that these professionals can use.”

He also discussed the importance of proper supportive care, noting, “As much as we advance in science and technology, we can never afford to ignore the value of compassionate care to maximize the horse’s quality of life. When we work with our hearts along with our expanded knowledge, we provide better care