Laminitis
Symptoms
Lameness, often severe, usually in the forelegs rather than the hind legs. May tilt backwards placing more weight on the hind legs to relieve pressure and pain on the fore feet. If the pain is not as severe, the horse may rest one fore foot and the rest the other. The horse may be distressed, sweating and trembling.
Cause
Many cases occur in obese ponies which eat a diet of rich grass, although is also caused by over eating or possibly by severe trauma to the feet. The main artery supplies blood to the hoof, but in some cases the blood supply is redirected when it reaches the coronary band, meaning the hoof does not receive oxygen or the essential nutrients it needs. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as toxins in the system. The laminae, which holds the pedal bone in place, become inflamed and degenerate, allowing the pedal bone to tilt on its axis with the tip pointing downwards. In severe cases the pedal bone may protrude from the sole of the hoof. Laminitis needs to be treated immediately as irreversible damage is done in the first twelve hours.
Treatment
Call a veterinary surgeon immediately. Liquid paraffin may be administered to prevent further absorption of toxins. The painkiller phenylbutazone can be given which will also help increase blood flow to the hooves and reduce inflammation. In less severe cases, in the early stages, gentle exercise may be attempted to increase blood flow. Current research is investigating the effects of a local anaesthetic which also increases blood flow but may help repair the hoof/pedal bone junction. A farrier can fit a heart bar shoe which will help to support the hoof and pedal bone. In severe cases surgery may be required, opening the front of the hoof to treat the laminae. Some severe cases may never recover, so it is important to treat signs of laminitis as early as possible. Once a horse has had laminitis it will keep reoccurring, so care should be taken so a horse never suffers from it.
Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.