Fayette County Veterinary Clinic, Inc.

La Grange TX

Learn to Recognize the Signs of Laminitis

FAQ

Every day veterinarians across the country see hundreds of cases of laminitis, a painful disease that affects the feet of horses.  Laminitis results from the disruption of blood flow to the sensitive and insensitive laminae within the foot, which secure the coffin bone to the hoof wall.  While the the exact mechanisms by which the feet are damaged remain a mystery, certain precipitating events can produce laminitis.  Although laminitis occurs in the feet, the underlying cause is often a disturbance elsewhere in the horse's body.

As a horse owner, it is important to recognize the signs of laminitis and seek veterinary help immediately.  Signs of acute laminitis include the following:

     Lameness, especially when a horse is turning in circles; shifting     
     lameness when standing

     Heat in the feet

     Increased digital pulse in the feet

     Pain in the toe region when pressure is applied with hoof testers

     Reluctant or hesitant gait, as if "walking on eggshells"

     A "sawhorse stance" with the front feet stretched out in front to 
     alleviate pressure on the toes and the hind feet "camped out" or
     positioned farther back than normal to bear more weight


Signs of chronic laminitis may include the following:

     Rings in hoof wall that become wider as they are followed from toe
     to heel

     Bruised soles or "stone bruises"

     Widened white line, commonly called "seedy toe", with occurrence of
     blood pockets and/or abscesses

     Dropped soles or flat feet

     Thick, "cresty" neck

     Dished hooves, which are the result of unequal rates of hoof growth

If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately.  The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance for recovery.  Additional information can also be found on the AAEP's horse health web site: www.myHorseMatters.com

Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners

Fayette County Veterinary Clinic, Inc.
PO Box 397
227 Svoboda Ln
La Grange TX  78945
979.968.3535
faycovet@verizon.net