Care and Knowledge
Care and Knowledge
Learn to Recognize the Signs of Laminitis
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 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.
For information
about laminitis, ask your equine veterinarian for the "Laminitis: Prevention and
Treatment" brochure provided by the American Association of Equine Practitioners
(AAEP) in association with Bayer Animal Health, an AAEP Educational Partner.
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.
Little Hawk Farm All Rights Reserved 2012