Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is proving highly effective in preventing laminitis and reducing the severity of laminitis following colic surgery, according to Belgian researchers.

Prior to the study period, more than 10% of colic surgery patients at the Equine Clinic of the University of Liège developed laminitic pain and lameness following surgery. The majority of those horses had severe cases and had to be euthanized.

Since 1995, however, colic surgery patients at the clinic have been receiving subcutaneous injections of LMWH (in the study, Clexane®; 0.35 mg/kg) daily for three to five days post-surgery. Of the 304 horses treated with LMWH in the scope of the study, only one (0.33%) showed mild signs of lameness and pain related to laminitis. Nine others had a “suspicion” of laminitis development, with hot feet and throbbing pulse in the hoof but no pain or lameness. The one laminitic horse rapidly recovered without further incident.

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) has previously been tested to prevent laminitis, but with questionable benefits, according to Geoffroy de la Rebière de Pouyade, DVM, MSc, researcher at the clinic and primary author of the study. UFH also requires more frequent administration, he said