Comprehensive Guide to Laminitis in Horses

As spring arrives, lush grass growth often signals concerns about horses for sale being at risk of laminitis. This comprehensive guide explains everything about this painful hoof condition affecting many horses in the UK.

Understanding Laminitis: What It Is

Laminitis refers to inflammation of the laminae inside a horse's hoof. These laminae are layered tissues rich in blood supply that suspend the pedal (coffin) bone within the hoof capsule. Inflammation causes the sensitive laminae to become engorged and painful, which can severely impact a horse's comfort and mobility.

The Causes of Laminitis in Horses

1. Overload Laminitis: Occurs when excessive weight is placed on one limb, often due to injury elsewhere. This type is less common but highlights the importance of supporting lame horses properly.
2. Inflammatory Laminitis: Triggered by sudden starch overload, typically from grain-rich feeds or sugary spring grass. This leads to toxic fermentation in the hindgut and toxin absorption affecting the laminae.
3. Metabolic Laminitis: Linked to endocrine conditions like Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID or Cushing’s Disease) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). These cause abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance, increasing laminitis risk.

Recognising Clinical Signs

• Increased heat in the front hooves
• A raised, bounding digital pulse indicating inflammation
• Shortened stride or reluctance to walk
• Increased heart rate
• Irregular hoof growth rings
• Characteristic "laminitic stance" where the horse leans back and positions hind legs under the body to relieve toe pressure

Treatment Steps for Laminitis

Immediate box rest is crucial following diagnosis. Horses should be removed from cereals and fed soaked hay to reduce sugar intake. Anti-inflammatories such as phenylbutazone (bute) are commonly used, alongside farrier intervention for hoof support. Blood tests for PPID or EMS may be necessary to confirm underlying metabolic issues. It is vital to ensure sufficient rest, as premature turnout can trigger relapse. Typically, box rest may extend to six weeks to allow full hoof recovery.

Preventing Laminitis: Practical Advice for Owners

• Know your horse’s normal hoof temperature and pulse through daily checks.
• Observe gait and behaviour closely to detect early signs of discomfort.
• Avoid grain-based diets for predisposed horses, especially native ponies or "good doers".
• Manage diagnoses of EMS or Cushing’s by adjusting diet and reducing pasture grazing during high-risk seasons.
• Never turn out stabled horses on frosty grass, as thawing increases fructan sugars linked to laminitis.
• Maintain healthy body weight, since obesity raises insulin resistance risk, increasing laminitis chance.

While laminitis commonly affects front feet, it can impact all four. Horses with previous episodes face increased recurrence risk, making prevention and long-term management essential. Chronic laminitis can cause irreversible hoof damage, underscoring the importance of prompt veterinary care and thoughtful management.