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LAMINITIS WARNING

A long summer of drought has caused our pasture grasses to become dormant, similar to winter. Once the rains return, it will cause the grasses to flourish. We want horse owners to be as vigilant as they would in spring.

With the re-growth of grass comes the risk of laminitis disease. The increased carbohydrates cause swelling between the coffin bone and inside of the hoof. When the bone loosens, it allows the laminae inside the hoof capsule to move, this rotates or sinks the coffin bone in the hoof. This causes extreme pain and lameness in horses.

Besides increased carbohydrates laminitis can occur with colic, diarrhea, other illnesses and reactions to medications. Problems can occur from bearing extra weight on a foot from the opposite foot being sore, like Barbaro. Heavier horses, ponies and overweight horses are at risk, too. Since horses started as high desert animals many of them survive well on not much forage.

During increased grass growth increasing exercise of sound horses can be helpful. (It is a nice time of the year for a ride or drive, too!)

However if you suspect laminitis; see stiff gaitedness, reluctance to walk and hot feet.

1. Lock your horse up in a stall or very small paddock
2. Call your veterinarian, who will examine and recommend a radiograph of the hoofs to evaluate position of the coffin bone.
3. Have your veterinarian talk to your farrier about a treatment plan.
4. Tape Styrofoam on the bottom of your horse’s feet to provide some comfort.
5. Plan to keep your horse confined for 6 weeks, so more tearing of laminae doesn’t occur when your horse gets to feeling better.

Visit www.healthyhorsehoof.com to complete a free hoof evaluation of your horse.

Richard Mansmann, VMD, PhD Director, Equine Health Program College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27695 Dick_Mansmann@ncsu.edu Phone (919) 513-6424 Fax (919) 513-6336