“Laminitis in the contralateral (opposite fore or hind) limb is a well-recognized and potentially devastating sequela (result) in conditions that cause unilateral non-weight-bearing lameness,” said Ric Redden, DVM, founder of the International Equine Podiatry Center in Versailles, Ky., in his presentation on the topic.

“The mechanism of contralateral limb (also called supporting limb) laminitis has not been well studied,” he said. He theorizes that the heavy, unrelenting load on the supporting foot compromises blood flow, resulting in tissue starvation and death.

“If a horse has been standing on one leg for several weeks and suddenly switches legs, it’s not because he’s gotten that much better,” Redden warned