Laminitis in Horses: Signs, Treatment & Prevention

Laminitis is a painful and unfortunately, common disease that affects one in ten horses each year. Where it can’t be completely cured, it can be managed and in many instances, laminitis can be prevented, so it’s very important to understand what to look out for.

In this guide, we look at what causes laminitis in horses, the signs and current management methods available.

What is laminitis in horses?

Laminitis in horses is an inflammation of the hoof’s laminae (the soft tissue structures that attach the coffin or pedal bones to the hoof wall). Inflammation and damage to the laminae can result in pain and can cause the coffin bone to become unstable. In severe cases, the pedal bone can completely separate and rotate within the hoof wall.

What causes laminitis in horses?

There are several factors that can cause laminitis in horses. It’s important to note that equines that have suffered from laminitis in the past are particularly susceptible to developing it again in the future.

Diseases linked with inflammation

Certain diseases that cause inflammation can cause flare-ups of laminitis, these conditions include types of colic, diarrhoea, retained placenta and severe pneumonia.

Hormonal diseases

Those suffering from hormonal diseases such as Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome are at higher risk of developing laminitis. It’s unclear how these conditions cause the disease, but both are associated with high insulin levels in the bloodstream which are known causes of laminitis.

High intake of soluble carbohydrates (sugars and starch)

Ingesting a large amount of these concentrates can cause the digestive system to become overloaded with undigested sugar and starch which then gets pushed through to the hindgut and rapidly breaks down. This process can result in gut damage, leading to the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can disrupt the blood supply to the laminae and may increase the risk of laminitis.

Severe infection

Toxaemia (blood poisoning) may occur when a severe bacterial infection is suffered. This could be because of a severe colic attack, prolonged diarrhoea or placenta retention.

Concussion

Horses that are consistently worked fast and hard for long periods on hard surfaces such as roads can suffer damage to the laminae. This risk is greater for those with poor-quality hooves.

Stress

Stress may be a cause of laminitis developing in horses, particularly if the equine in question is overweight. Additionally, mares are at a higher risk of developing laminitis after foaling due to increased stress levels.

Obesity

Overfeeding is quite common in horses, but this excess weight adds increased strain on vital organs and limbs, which can lead to the development of laminitis.

Mechanical overload

Mechanical overload because of toes being too long, incorrect shoeing, fracture or infected joints can cause laminitis in horses. Additionally, if your horse has sustained an injury to one leg and is forced to weight bear more on the other, the weight-bearing leg has an increased risk of developing laminitis.

Symptoms of laminitis in horses

The symptoms of laminitis in horses will vary depending on whether it’s an acute or chronic case. Here’s what to look out for in both instances:

Acute laminitis

With acute laminitis, the symptoms will usually come on quite suddenly and be severe.

• Inability or reluctance to walk or move
• May lie down and be unwilling to get up
• Visible lameness, particularly when walking on hard surfaces
• Increased digital pulse (this can be found at the back of your horse’s fetlock)
• Development of a ‘sawhorse’ stance, where they lean back on their hind feet to relieve pressure on the front
• When walking they may put their heels down first rather than their toes due to pain in the front point of the frog
• Reluctance to pick up their feet
• The hoof wall and coronary band may be warm to the touch

Chronic laminitis

In the case of chronic laminitis, it has usually existed for quite some time so there will be ongoing symptoms and structural changes to the hoof which will be the result of previous bouts of laminitis.

• The hoof will develop growth rings around the wall
• Heels will generally grow faster than the toe
• The white line in the hoof will widen
• Horses will likely have a large, thick crest along their neckline
• The hoof wall may be dish or ‘slipper shaped’ with long toes
• Where the pedal bone has rotated there will be a bulge in the sole
• Restricted movement may be seen in the front legs with more weight placed on the back

Although all four feet can be affected by laminitis, the front hooves are typically more frequently and seriously affected than the backs.

Treatment of laminitis in horses

If you notice any of the above signs of laminitis in horses, it’s imperative that you contact your vet as soon as possible to carry out treatment to prevent lasting damage and for pain relief to be administered.

Your vet will likely recommend moving your horse to a stable with deep bedding to offer plenty of cushioning. Shavings are ideal for this purpose as they mould around the hoof and offer support. If your horse is generally turned out with a field mate they’re particularly fond of, it’s a good idea to keep them within view to limit stress and provide comfort.

Feed and complementary food such as licks and treats should be removed, providing only hay and fresh water until veterinary advice is sought. You should never starve a horse with laminitis as obese equines are at risk of hyperlipaemia.

To determine if rotation has occurred and to what degree, your vet may carry out x-rays of the hooves. It’s likely your vet will work with your farrier to correct the rotation and ensure the hooves are in the best possible condition to aid with recovery.

Additional treatments for laminitis in horses may include anti-inflammatories to offer pain relief.

Preventing laminitis in horses

Where laminitis cannot be cured, it can be prevented and with careful management, it is possible to reduce the risk of future bouts occurring. Here are some of our top tips:

1. Feed a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, breed, and activity level. If your horse is at risk of developing laminitis, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of your vet or a qualified nutritionist to recommend a suitable diet
2. Feed your horse little and often to mimic their natural feeding pattern
3. Restrict turnout on lush grass, particularly during the spring and autumn months. It’s a good idea to use electric tape to strip graze
4. Avoid turnout on frosted grass as this can cause the levels of fructans in the grass to spike
5. Ensure your horse receives regular hoof care from a qualified farrier
6. Carry out a good exercise regime to prevent obesity

That’s our guide to laminitis in horses, the signs you should look out for and the current treatment and prevention methods. Looking for more advice on caring for your horse? Learn all about equine flu and the importance of vaccines, next.