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:
One of the biggest revelations of the symposium was Pollitt’s presentation on his laminitis work at the Australian Laminitis Research Unit, in which he discussed carbohydrate overload-induced laminitis.
Treating laminitis is a frustrating assignment for a veterinarian, who must juggle the welfare of the horse, the emotions of the owner, and the skills of collaborating farriers and therapists, and keep up with the latest information on drug
Any treatment of laminitis must be prefaced by answering questions such as: Do I save this horse regardless of the cost? Is it imperative that this horse race again? What sort of care will be available to the horse following application of special “ny treatment of laminitis must be prefaced by answering questions such as: Do I save this horse regardless of the cost? Is it imperative that this horse race again? What s”y treatment of laminitis must be prefaced by answering questions such as: Do I save this horse r” treatment of laminiti
The feet of wild horses have been able to adapt to their environment, while the feet of domestic horses seem to consistently fail at adapting and instead collapse, crack, flare, and bruise.
My guess is that each of us has had a mentor; one who in his or her age, wisdom, and patience let us make our youthful mistakes, let us find our own way within the boundaries of common sense, and
The name of the conference might be misleading, because the 10th Annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium in Louisville, Ky., covered topics from how nutrition affects hooves to what stimulates hooves to grow. The theme of this year’s symposium was
Of all the medical crises that can afflict a horse, laminitis surely is one of the most alarming. Horribly painful, and potentially devastating to his long-term soundness, the strange syndrome whereby the coffin bone inside the hoof begins to
Of all the ailments a horse can suffer, laminitis is the one that unfailingly strikes fear into the heart of an owner.
Laminitis is one of the most serious and difficult-to-treat diseases horses can get, and only by learning everything about this problem can we prevent and treat it successfully. Enter the 14th annual Bluegrass Laminitis Symposium held Jan. 25-27
The genuine pony displays the traits of centuries of pony progenitors, distinguishing himself from small horse breeds. In general, the pony is the same animal as the horse, yet he has many traits that make him unique.
Although it’s ever-present, under normal conditions Salmonella will have little influence on your horse’s heath. But, if he’s stressed and his immune system is operating at less than full capacity, the bacteria can sneak in and strike.
Often, holding off on treatment to save money in the form of vet bills results in longer, more expensive treatment, with the horse’s performance or reproductive career being placed in jeopardy.
The purpose of this article is to review the common problems that affect the horse, and to highlight their clinical signs.
Standing on the fresh field of a brand new century, we look eagerly-if sometimes cautiously-toward the horizon and the unknown future awaiting us. We hope that, in the months and years to come, we will solve problems long puzzled over and finish
Deep digital flexor tenotomy is a surgical alternative that transects the deep digital flexor tendon in the mid-cannon bone region. This major tendon runs down the back of the horse’s leg and attaches to the back of the coffin bone.
Lush pasture is the arch enemy of horses susceptible to laminitis and founder.
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