What is Laminitis?

Laminitis is inflammation and degradation of the soft tissue called lamina that attaches the coffin bone to the hoof wall. This inflammation or swelling is significant because it is occurring in a closed space. If a horse has a swollen leg, for example, the skin of the leg stretches to accommodate the change in the size of the afflicted tissue. But the hoof is not able to expand as skin is, so in this closed-in space, because of the swelling of the lamina, the blood vessels that keep the hoof alive are constricted until there is little or no blood flow to the hoof, and the hoof begins to die. This process is extremely painful for the horse.

How do I know if my horse has Laminitis?

Laminitis is diagnosed by examination of the hooves and confirmation via radiographs. Treatment options for laminitis should never be discussed without radiographs. Venograms, which measure the blood flow to the hoof, offer further prognostic and diagnostic grading of the disease and allow for the most precise treatment options to be offered. It is important to have veterinarians skilled in the use of venograms carrying out this procedure using the results to diagnose your horse.

This information is courtesy of The Equine Podiatry Center and Veterinary Services.

To learn more about Laminitis and treatments for Laminitis visit EquinePodiatryCenter.com