What Is Laminitis?
Laminitis is inflammation of the lamina or supporting structures that hold the P3 or coffin bone to the hoof wall. When these structures inflame, they subsequently die allowing the P3 to rotate in a downward direction putting pressure and pain on the structures of the sole of the foot. In extreme cases, the P3 or coffin bone can prolapse or penetrate through the sole.
Prevention of laminitis may or may not be possible. Over-weight horses on high carbohydrate diets are more at risk. Horses that have undergone surgery, or medical procedures are also at risk if the horse was gravely ill at the onset. Any trauma to an opposing foot will likely cause laminitis in the opposite foot. Mares with difficulty foaling or retained placenta also fall into this category. Horses with long toes or club feet, horses that have experienced concussion trauma - such as galloping on asphalt are also at risk. Good veterinary management of the above conditions can many times prevent laminitis from occurring.
The treatment and surgical correction of this very painful process should be left in the hands of a laminitis specialist. ~Your horse stands a greater chance of recovering to his original performance level if treatment is started as soon as possible i.e.; in the acute stage of the disease~. Learn more about what to expect below. |
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 The Laminitic Treatment Process
Many of you may feel that your horse could not possibly stand to be transported to our facility. With proper handling and help from your veterinarian and farrier, your horse will arrive safely.
Our hospital and skilled staff are highly qualified in handling and treating laminitis. We have enjoyed remarkable results. The recovery period is often tedious and patience and diligence is crucial. The return from laminitis is a mental as well as physical ladder that must be climbed rung by rung, day by day.
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