Laminitis (commonly called “founder”) affects an estimated 7-14% of the world’s equine population. It’s the inflammation of the tiny, interwoven lamellae that attach a horse’s hoof to the underlying coffin bone (third phalanx, or P3) and support the horse’s entire body weight. Anything that impacts the integrity of the lamellae, such as inflammation, weakens their hold. This causes the coffin bone to displace within the hoof capsule and move toward the ground. The condition is very painful and is often life-threatening to horses.
The same disease has several different causes, which include:
Managing a horse with chronic laminitis is hardly a one-man job. Both veterinarian and farrier expertise is required to rehabilitate and maintain these horses’ feet for the best possible outcome.
Diet plays a very important role in managing insulin-resistant horses. Learn how you can use nutritional planning to manage this condition.
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to managing laminitic horses’ pain, owners should work with their veterinarians to tailor a multimodal approach for each individual case.
Researchers found that horses with evidence of colitis that received preventive cryotherapy were 10 times less likely to develop laminitis than horses that did not receive ice.
During pregnancy, a broodmare’s body and hormones go through many changes. And the endocrine changes associated with pregnancy might actually increase the mare’s risk of developing laminitis.
One researcher believes studying diseases, like laminitis, in a real-world setting has both strengths and limitations.
Brazilian researchers studied the drug reparixin’s effects on horses with experimentally induced laminitis.
The risk factors associated with laminitis are many. But which are most important for owners to watch for?
Researchers identified a number of novel laminitis risk factors, including management-level factors.
Dr. Ginger Rich of Rich Equine Nutritional Consulting in Eads, Tenn., discusses feeding practices for horses with ulcers, respiratory disease, laminitis, and more.
Paynter recovered from a life-threatening illness a year ago before successfully returning to the racetrack.
Geor’s lecture will focus on obesity, insulin resistance, and how these conditions relate to laminitis.
Bonfire was euthanized Monday (Oct. 28) due to complications from Cushing’s disease and laminitis.
Researchers are exploring animal microbiome to benefit both animals–including horses–and humans.
Owners will have an opportunity to talk to a panel of world-renowned experts about a variety of topics.
The International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot will take place Nov. 1-3 in Florida.
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