Equines have two types of laminae dermal and epidermal. These laminae play a critical role in holding the hoof wall onto the horse’s foot. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhat Causes Laminitis in Horses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First of all, let us realize what causes laminitis in horses. Knowing the cause behind the disease is key to preventing its occurrence and even possibly reversing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main diseases associated with laminitis are those of <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Endocrine origin<\/li>
- Supporting limb laminitis (excessive weight-bearing)<\/li>
- Inflammatory diseases and sepsis, or endotoxemia<\/em>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Laminitis can often be seen as a sequela of digestive disturbances such as colitis<\/a> and after colonic torsion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abrupt changes in feed, excessive intake of cold water after strenuous activities, and highly available carbohydrates can also play a detrimental role in the development of laminitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nature of the disorder can be acute or chronic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of Laminitis in Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The symptoms of laminitis in acute and chronic forms differ slightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The clinical signs associated with acute laminitis in horses are lameness, anorexia, and reluctance to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tapping on the hoof wall may elicit pain accompanied by increased pulsations which can be seen and felt in the digital arteries. The front limbs are more commonly and more severely affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses usually change their posture by drawing their hindlimbs under the body and placing the forelimbs forward to shift their weight to the hindlimbs, loading the heels rather than the toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The clinical signs associated with chronic laminitis in horses are lameness and abnormal conformation of the hoof (displacement of the distal phalanx), exercise intolerance, depression, and anorexia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bloody exudate can also be present, oozing from the abnormally-shaped hoof, and it may also feel warm to the touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sole is either flat or dropped. The hoof wall shows signs of uneven growth. In more severe manifestations of the disorder, fissures running parallel to the coronary band may also be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When laminitis has struck all four limbs, the horse will be unable to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosing Equine Laminitis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For the diagnosis of equine laminitis, the first step to take is to provide the veterinarian with a detailed anamnesis. This will help primarily with understanding if the case is chronic or acute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The posture of the horse and clinical signs must also be observed and noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most important diagnostic tool is an X-ray and\/or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The displacement of the distal phalanx can be seen radiographically as early as the third day after the development of clinical signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thickness of the hoof wall and sole allow veterinarians to determine whether distal displacement, rotation, or unilateral sinking has occurred. Distal displacement can be accompanied by rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following criteria characterize the five degrees of lameness : <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grade 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In grade one, the horse will alternate feet at rest. At a trot, the horse’s stride is shorter, but when the walking stride is normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grade 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In grade two, the horse will walk willingly with a shortened gait. There is difficulty or hesitance when picking up a foot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grade 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In grade three, the horse is very reluctant to move, and it is difficult to pick up a foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grade 4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In grade four, the horse willingly stands but is hesitant to move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grade 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Grade five is the most severe manifestation where the horse is unable to stand or move.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nReversing Laminitis in Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treating and reversing laminitis in horses is no easy task. However, with the appropriate care, it is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- If your horse is overweight, implementing a suitable weight-loss dietary plan will help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.<\/li>
- Minimize exercise and any weight-bearing activities until the hoof has recovered and the gait and stride are normalized.<\/li>
- To deal with ischemia and consequently improve blood flow to the foot, medications such as Phenylbutazone, Isoxuprine, Nitroglycerin, and Acepromazine will be prescribed by the veterinarian to help enhance vascular perfusion within the foot. <\/li>
- Since laminitis is an extremely painful condition, analgesics must be used to relieve pain<\/a>. Detomidine, Butorphanol, and Morphine are medications that can offer such relief.<\/li>
- The use of ice baths to cool the foot is also another way of offering some temporary pain relief.<\/li>
- Removal of horseshoes is advisable. Padding the affected hoof is desirable during this period.<\/li>
- NSAIDs such as Flunixin Meglumine or Firocoxib help reduce inflammation.<\/li>
- Mechanical support for the third phalanx is of utmost importance. Since the laminar bond no longer supports the weight of the limb, minimizing shearing forces between the third phalanx and the hoof wall is essential. This is typically accomplished by trimming the hoof wall to shift weight-bearing to the sole and frog.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Alfalfa Hay and Laminitis in Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AlfalfAlfa hay provides horses with energy, lysine, calcium, an array of vitamins and minerals, and high-quality protein. Alfalfa hay and laminitis go hand in hand for some horse owners, but this does not need to be the case. It is an excellent feedstuff for horses, provided it is used correctly to obtain its full benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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