The scary ‘L’ word in the horse industry… laminitis!
No owner wants their horse to go through this painful and debilitating condition. The laminae, which is the tissue that connects the hoof wall and coffin bone, becomes inflamed. When left untreated, it can progress to founder where the bone detaches from the hoof capsule. In extreme cases, it penetrates through the sole!
There will be potential triggers that can cause a laminitis episode. Some horses are sensitive to grass and others to grain. With spring pasture right around the corner, now is the time to learn how to prevent laminitis and what to watch out for.
Laminitis Signs
- Lameness: Your horse may have trouble walking on hard surfaces or completing a turn. They may shift their weight from leg to leg. There is a typical laminitic stance in which the hind hooves are further under the body and the front ones are further out.
- Changes in the hooves: Your horse’s hooves may become hot or warm to thetouch. In advance cases, there will be ridges and grooves in the hoof wall. Eventually, the horse will experience hoof wall separation if left untreated.
- Increase in digital pulse: There will likely be an increased digital pulse. To find your horse’s digital pulse, place two fingers on the lower side of your horse’s fetlock joint. You will have to feel around for a cord-like structure. The pulse won’t always be able to be felt, especially in a healthy horse. If it’s pounding at a quick pace, then you may have a problem on your hands.
- Laying down: To avoid putting pressure on sore feet, your horse may be inclined to lay down more than normal. Their energy level may decrease and you will notice they don’t move around a lot.
- Depression: From standing away from the herd to not eating, a laminitic horse can shows various levels of depression. When suffering in pain or discomfort, horses react differently.
If you notice signs of laminitis in your horse, then get your equine veterinarian out to the barn right away. The road to recovery can be long and hard! You’ll first need to find out what triggered your horse and remove it. A close relationship with your farrier will also be important.
The best medicine is prevention! Some horse breeds and individuals are more at risk for laminitis. These can include obese horses, those with equine metabolic syndrome, pony breeds, among others. They may need a low sugar diet and reduced pasture time. Grazing muzzles and dry lots are a must for these at-risk horses and ponies.
Laminitis is painful and can have life-long complications. Make sure to do your research and stay proactive this spring!
