In more than 70% of laminitis cases owners reported nonspecific and mild clinical signs, such as difficulty in turning, a short or stilted gait, or lameness at the walk. | Photo: iStock

A study conducted by the Animal Health Trust (AHT), in Newmarket, U.K., in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), in Hertfordshire, U.K., and Rossdales Equine Hospital, also in Newmarket, and funded by World Horse Welfare, has identified that one in every 10 horses and ponies could develop at least one laminitis episode each year, making it just as common as colic in Great Britain.

This newly published research has emphasized that laminitis needs to be considered an important year-round equine welfare concern in Great Britain, researchers said. Despite the long-standing belief that laminitis is a spring-time disease, this study has identified that there is no ‘safe’ season, and laminitis remains a threat across England, Scotland and Wales regardless of the time of year. Owners must remain vigilant and not reduce preventive measures when they misconceive the ‘high-risk’ period has passed.

The study should also alert horse and pony owners to the importance of recognizing subtle signs of potentially life-threatening episodes. Most laminitic animals were reported by their owners to display nonspecific and mild clinical signs, including difficulty in turning and a short/stilted gait or lameness at the walk—present in more than 70% of laminitis episodes