HEXHAM vet Jo Sutton takes a look at the dangers of laminitis.

Laminitis is a common, painful condition among horses and ponies which, if not managed correctly, can be fatal.

Approximately one in 20 horses is euthanised due to laminitis.

Horses do not stand on the soles of their feet. The bone in the foot is attached to the inside of the hoof wall by the laminae.

The horse stands on the walls of the hoof rather than the sole and the horse’s weight “hangs” off these walls.

In laminitis, the blood flow to the laminae is reduced causing inflammation and swelling to the tissues, resulting in severe pain.

With the laminae damaged, the pedal bone is able to sink and rotate and in severe cases can “founder” and protrude through the sole.

Laminitis can affect any of the feet, but is much more common in the front feet.

Over 90 per cent of cases are caused by Cushing’s Disease or insulin resistance/obesity.

Laminitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute laminitis is characterised by sudden onset of severe pain, with an inability or reluctance to walk, often a raised digital pulse and the foot can feel warm to the touch.

With forelimbs, laminitis horses tend to stand with their hind limbs underneath themselves aiming to take the weight off the front feet.

Relapsing, longer term cases are described as chronic.

Veterinary treatment is essential for laminitic cases.

Pain relief is key and the horse must be stabled on a deep bed in order to provide cushioning to the foot.

Diet is vital; sugary feeds need to be removed. This can involve soaking the hay overnight, removing hard feed and ensuring the horse immediately starts a strict weight loss programme if necessary.

Radiographs are critical to assessing the extent of the laminitis (ie the degree of rotation).

Hoof supports and foot trimming are also essential.

Laminitis doesn’t have a quick fix and requires lifetime management.

The diet, along with controlling predisposing conditions, such as Cushing’s or insulin resistance, are key.

Without these conditions being managed the laminitis cannot be adequately controlled.