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:
Learn about the causes and clinical signs of laminitis in horses, and what researchers say about how to manage and prevent it.
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New methods might help veterinarians diagnose and treat the painful equine hoof disease laminitis more efficiently.
Blood insulin levels can warn of increased risk of laminitis in obese horses and ponies and spur owners to mitigate it.
Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis has become a great risk for the health and welfare of domestic horses. Although medications for this condition exist, they cannot replace good management.
Horses with ID are at greater risk of developing laminitis. Knowing if your horse has a metabolic problem can help you prevent this painful condition.
Cadaver hoof study confirms expectation that heart-bar shoes can reduce coffin bone motion in horses with laminitis.
Reacting quickly and correctly to an episode of HAL will give your horse a greater chance for future soundness.
When managing laminitic horses, making dietary changes is often necessary for the success of other treatment efforts.
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