Laminitis is a common but still incompletely understood condition which causes varying degrees of foot pain, from the slightly pottery pony to severe life-threatening lameness. Owners often underestimate its potential to cause long term unsoundness. It is not uncommon for severe and uncontrolled cases to require euthanasia on the humane grounds of incurable suffering.

What is laminitis?

Laminitis, in its simplest form, is inflammation and weakening of the sensitive layers (laminae) of the hoof. The pedal bone is suspended within the hoof by many interdigitating specialised ‘leaves’ (laminae) composed of sensitive tissue. In laminitis these soft tissues become damaged resulting in pain, inflammation and, in some cases, separation between the laminae. In very mild cases, appropriate treatment will resolve the problem quite quickly with no lasting effect. If the inflammation is more severe and progressive, the sensitive laminae may lose their blood supply and die with consequent loss of support between the pedal bone and horny hoof wall. This can result in separation of the pedal bone from the hoof with rotation and/or sinking of the bone within the hoof. As the horse stands and moves on its feet, penetration of the sole by the tip of the pedal bone can follow, often with fatal consequences.

What causes laminitis?

The underlying problem is interference with the blood supply to the sensitive layers of the foot. Conditions which cause this either directly or indirectly include:-

• overfeeding on good grass
• excessive eating of carbohydrate, e.g. cereals
• toxaemia associated with severe infections
• adverse reactions to certain drugs including corticosteroids and some antibiotics
• severe injury e.g. fracture or joint infection resulting in increased weight-bearing on the opposite limb
• neglected feet or poor trimming and shoeing resulting in long toe/low heel conformation
• excessive concussion due to fast exercise on hard ground

Horses or ponies with a history of laminitis may be susceptible to recurrence. Some older horses (usually above 15 years old) which have chronic or recurrent laminitis have abnormalities of their pituitary glands (causing Cushing’s syndrome) as a contributing factor.

How can I recognise the early signs?

In mild cases of laminitis, the horse or pony may appear slightly ‘pottery’ especially when turned or on hard ground. The forelimbs are most commonly affected although it is possible for the hindlimbs only or all four feet to be affected. Often one foot is worse than the others. The affected foot or feet may appear abnormally warm to the touch (although this is inconsistent) and the pulse taken at the heel’s arteries will usually appear particularly strong. Laminitic horses will often stand with hindlimbs well under the body and forelimbs stretched out in front, in an effort to keep weight off the painful front feet. This characteristic stance is almost diagnostic of laminitis. Affected horses will usually move with their heels landing first to try to avoid concussion to the painful toe region. If all four feet are affected, they may lie down for long periods or may constantly lift their feet alternately from the ground. More severe cases result in inability or reluctance to move at all and horses with severe rotation and sinking will often be unable to bear any weight on the affected limb or limbs.

Horses which have recovered from laminitis, or chronic (long-standing) cases often have an altered hoof shape with long heels and a convex rather than concave sole. These horses must be monitored very closely for signs of foot pain and require regular remedial farriery. 'Laminitic rings' often appear on the hoof which diverge towards the heels.

It is important to realise that laminitis can progress from mild to severe even if early treatment is instigated. Early warning signs must be heeded and action take immediately.

What can be done?

Mild cases respond to stable rest, a restricted diet, anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. phenylbutazone), and removal of the cause of the laminitis, where this is known. More severe cases may also need medication to reduce blood pressure (eg. acetylpromazine), remedial hoof trimming and shoeing and anti-inflammatory medication for a prolonged period (often many months). Support under the foot using 'styrofoam pads' can be evry beneficial. In cases of chronic pedal bone rotation, progressive remedial trimming to shorten the toe and lower the heel will gradually return the hoof to a more comfortable conformation in relation to the pedal bone. In horses where there is rotation or sinking of the pedal bone, radical trimming and shoeing with a wedge may be combined with surgery to cut the deep flexor tendon in an attempt to prevent further rotation. In cases where the pedal bone has penetrated the sole, the prognosis is hopeless and euthanasia should be performed on humane grounds.

Many other treatments have been suggested for laminitis in horses, with opinions on their suitability and efficacy varying, even amongst experts.

How can it be prevented?

Ponies have evolved in the wild to work hard for poor quality food and any pony with access to good grazing should be watched carefully for signs of becoming overweight or pottery. When grass growth is lush, grazing should be restricted by either stabling on shavings, peat moss or shredded paper for part of the day and exercise should be increased to regulate body weight. Sudden increases in concentrate food intake should be avoided and fast work on hard surfaces should be avoided. Do not ignore illnesses associated with infections, especially colic and diarrhoea (colitis) or uterine infections (metritis) following retained placenta. Both of these conditions present a high risk for producing laminitis. In such cases, veterinary help should be sought without delay.

Conclusion

Laminitis can present with signs varying from a minor ‘unlevelness’ to a life threatening condition and should never be treated lightly. Even mild cases can take many months to improve and some horses never regain full soundness. Prevention is much better than cure and many, although not all, cases can be prevented by good management.