admin
07-10-2003, 10:13 PM
Laminitis or “founder” is a common cause of lameness in horses. The severity of this condition ranges from very mild to life threatening. In severe cases, euthanasia is sometimes indicated to end the chronic pain and suffering of the animal. The good news is that most cases are manageable and respond to treatment.
Laminitis results from a disruption in the blood flow to the laminae of the feet. Laminae are the structures which attach the coffin bone to the hoof wall. If the damage to the laminae is extensive, the horse may experience a separation of the coffin bone from the hoof wall. When this occurs, the coffin bone may rotate or “sink” and can even penetrate through the sole of the foot.
Although we use the terms laminitis and founder interchangeably, we can make a distinction. Founder typically refers to a long-term, chronic condition associated with rotation of the coffin bone. Acute laminitis refers to the sudden onset of inflammation of the laminae of the feet and usually includes pain and lameness.
Researchers still debate the exact mechanism that causes inflammation of the laminae. However, certain events can be directly associated with the development of laminitis.
Digestive upset due to grain overload and abrupt changes in the diet
Sudden access to increased amounts of lush forages
Toxins released within the horse’s system
High fevers and associated illness
Severe colic
Retained placenta after foaling
Consuming cold water by an overheated horse
Excessive concussion of the feet “road founder”
Excessive weight bearing on one leg as a result of injury to another leg
Bedding that contains walnut shavings
Prolonged use of high doses of corticosteroids
Risk factors for laminitis include:
Heavy breeds such as draft horses
Overweight body, cresty neck
High plane of nutrition
Ponies, Morgans and donkeys
Unrestricted grain binges (when a horse gets into the feed room). If this occurs, do not wait, call your veterinarian immediately.
Horse with previous history of laminitis
Older horses with Cushings’ disease
The signs of acute laminitis include:
Lameness, especially of the front feet when turning, shifting of weight when standing
Heat in the feet
Pain in the toe region when pressure is applied to the sole
Reluctant to move, “walking on eggshells”
“Sawhorse” stance, front feet stretched out in front of the animal
Signs of chronic laminitis:
Rings in hoof wall that become wider as the are followed to the heel
Bruised soles
Widened white line, sometimes referred to as seedy toe
Dropped soles or flat feet
Thick, cresty neck
Dished hooves
Treatment of laminitis will vary depending on the severity of the disease and whether it is an acute or chronic condition. Some of the more common may include; dietary restrictions such as reducing the grain content of the feed or taking the horse off of lush pasture. For acute cases, the veterinarian will usually give mineral oil to the horse especially if the animal has overeaten. Treatment may also include intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, anti-microbials and drugs to block toxins and alter blood pressure. We may also move the horse to soft bedding and apply some type of cushioning to the feet.
The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing the causes that are under your control. Talk with your veterinarian and formulate a good dietary and health program. Provide good hoof care. If you suspect a problem, call your veterinarian immediately.
----------------------------------------------------------
Source: http://www.yourhorseshealth.com/health_care/vet_tip0703.html
Laminitis results from a disruption in the blood flow to the laminae of the feet. Laminae are the structures which attach the coffin bone to the hoof wall. If the damage to the laminae is extensive, the horse may experience a separation of the coffin bone from the hoof wall. When this occurs, the coffin bone may rotate or “sink” and can even penetrate through the sole of the foot.
Although we use the terms laminitis and founder interchangeably, we can make a distinction. Founder typically refers to a long-term, chronic condition associated with rotation of the coffin bone. Acute laminitis refers to the sudden onset of inflammation of the laminae of the feet and usually includes pain and lameness.
Researchers still debate the exact mechanism that causes inflammation of the laminae. However, certain events can be directly associated with the development of laminitis.
Digestive upset due to grain overload and abrupt changes in the diet
Sudden access to increased amounts of lush forages
Toxins released within the horse’s system
High fevers and associated illness
Severe colic
Retained placenta after foaling
Consuming cold water by an overheated horse
Excessive concussion of the feet “road founder”
Excessive weight bearing on one leg as a result of injury to another leg
Bedding that contains walnut shavings
Prolonged use of high doses of corticosteroids
Risk factors for laminitis include:
Heavy breeds such as draft horses
Overweight body, cresty neck
High plane of nutrition
Ponies, Morgans and donkeys
Unrestricted grain binges (when a horse gets into the feed room). If this occurs, do not wait, call your veterinarian immediately.
Horse with previous history of laminitis
Older horses with Cushings’ disease
The signs of acute laminitis include:
Lameness, especially of the front feet when turning, shifting of weight when standing
Heat in the feet
Pain in the toe region when pressure is applied to the sole
Reluctant to move, “walking on eggshells”
“Sawhorse” stance, front feet stretched out in front of the animal
Signs of chronic laminitis:
Rings in hoof wall that become wider as the are followed to the heel
Bruised soles
Widened white line, sometimes referred to as seedy toe
Dropped soles or flat feet
Thick, cresty neck
Dished hooves
Treatment of laminitis will vary depending on the severity of the disease and whether it is an acute or chronic condition. Some of the more common may include; dietary restrictions such as reducing the grain content of the feed or taking the horse off of lush pasture. For acute cases, the veterinarian will usually give mineral oil to the horse especially if the animal has overeaten. Treatment may also include intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, anti-microbials and drugs to block toxins and alter blood pressure. We may also move the horse to soft bedding and apply some type of cushioning to the feet.
The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing the causes that are under your control. Talk with your veterinarian and formulate a good dietary and health program. Provide good hoof care. If you suspect a problem, call your veterinarian immediately.
----------------------------------------------------------
Source: http://www.yourhorseshealth.com/health_care/vet_tip0703.html