LAMINITIS
Laminitis is the swelling of the sensitive laminae which surround the structures of the hoof, below the hoof wall.
This laminae contain sensitive tissue, veins, arteries and the lymphatic system. If inflamed, they cannot swell as they have a solid hoof wall and the pedal bone either side.
As a result, if they swell, it is very painful, like when you have a splinter under your nail, and if not relieved can push the pedal bone out of the sole of the hoof.
CAUSES
Too much rich grass, this is the most common and becoming more usual because we are keeping our horses so well now. Many horses being overweight and the feed and grazing being much too high in feed value for the horse or pony.
Being overweight, again very common.
Excessive work, especially if the horse is unfit.
Concussion from working on hard ground.
A blow to the hoof.
Excessive trimming of the sole.
Too much hard feed.
Excessive weight on one foot as a result of the other being lame.
Retained placenta in a recently foaled mare.
There are many more causes, basically anything that may cause the hoof to swell.
SYMPTOMS
The horse will be severely lame, most often in both front feet, but it can be in just one or all four feet. They will be reluctant to move and take very little strides when they do.
The horse will usually have a particular stance, with the hind legs well underneath and the fore feet stretched out with all the weight on their heels.
Laying down alot, often with both legs stretched out.
Warm feet
A strong pedal pulse, felt at the back of the short pastern.
If the horse is overweight and it is due to overfeeding or too much grass, the crest will be very solid to touch with little movement. This is because the whole body has swollen, not just the feet.
TREATMENT
CALL THE VET IMMEDIATELY, this can be fatal or cause serious permanent issues.
Stop all feed including grass until the vet is there.
If possible, hose the feet in cold water while waiting for the vet.
KEEP YOUR HORSE AS STILL AS POSSIBLE. Do not walk unless absolutely unavoidable and if is the case pad the feet with as much padding as possible or make the ground as soft as you can.
Bed on deep shavings (as they can not eat these), making the bed as soft as possible.
Feed soaked hay in a double small hole hay net to slow down eating.
If there is structural change in the hoof, you will need to work with your vet and blacksmith to help correct this as much as possible. Wide webbed shoes and pads are often used to relieve the pressure and pain.
A horse that has suffered with this is prone to it in the future, so care must be taken to stop a repeat. Keeping a careful eye on their weight and restricting grazing when the grass is lush.
Very often there will be thick rings on the horse’s feet that will show the horse has had this illness and is prone to it in the future. These rings can also indicate a change in diet at some point, but this would be on all 4 feet rather than just the front.
Final Thoughts
If you suspect your horse has this or is gaining too much weight, then take action immediately, as prevention is better than cure.
Quick recognition and response can ultimately save your horse pain, your purse being emptied and possibly your horse’s life.