Laminitis WorkshopLaminitis Workshop
Aln Veterinary Group and
Northumbria Veterinary Partnership
26 April 2007
Foot AnatomyFoot Anatomy
What is laminitis?What is laminitis?Inflammation of
the laminae – which act to suspend the pedal bone within the hoof…
…however laminitis is a systemic disease that affects the whole horse
How does laminitis occur?How does laminitis occur?
2 different theories
Vascular theory
Enzymatic theory
Vascular theoryVascular theory
Soluble carbohydrates overload the small intestine Abnormal fermentation occurs in hind-gut Toxins released into blood, which becomes more
acid Blood bypasses laminae causing tissue death Inflammatory fluid builds up between the laminae Pedal bone rotates and drops putting pressure on
sole
Enzymatic theoryEnzymatic theory
New theory – not fully proven and not all questions answered
MMP enzymes normally present to maintain healthy bonds
MMPs become excessive and cause disintegration of the laminar bond
The 3 Stages of LaminitisThe 3 Stages of LaminitisDevelopmental phaseAcute phaseChronic phase
New ideasNew ideas
MMPs
Sulphur
Magnesium
Laminitis affects small fat Laminitis affects small fat ponies…?ponies…?
Retained placenta or any other toxic event
After foaling…After foaling…
Steroid administration…Steroid administration…
Competition horses…Competition horses…
…travelling
…roadwork
…concussion
Acute lameness…Acute lameness…
Cushingoid ponies…Cushingoid ponies…
Equine Metabolic SyndromeEquine Metabolic Syndrome
Related to Cushings diseaseInsulin resistanceRecurrent bouts of laminitisObese, younger horses and poniesBlood test differentiates these conditions
Clinical signs of laminitisClinical signs of laminitis
Altered behaviour e.g. immobility, lying down, depression.
Heat in the feet, esp around the coronary bands.
“Rocking back” stance.Lameness on 1 or more legs.Raised pulse & respiratory rates.
Classic laminitic stanceClassic laminitic stance
Possible other symptomsPossible other symptoms
Bounding digital pulsesA depression at the coronary bandPatchy sweatingNot only the front feet affected
Vets roleVets role
To provide emergency treatment in the form of:
Addressing the cause. Pain relief Preventing further
changes. Monitoring &
prognosis
Types of medicationTypes of medication
Sole and frog supportsSole and frog supports
X raysX rays
FarrieryFarriery
Farrier & Vet liaison is Farrier & Vet liaison is essentialessential
Treatment for your horse or Treatment for your horse or ponypony
Call us straight away- this really helps the outcome!!
Box Rest.A bed to support those feet – shavings,
sand, hemp, sawdust- right up to the door.Minimal forage feed.Cold treatment- from the knee or hock
downwards.
PrognosisPrognosis
Many factors affect this:
acuteness of onset
severity of disease
concurrent factors
previous history
adherence to treatment protocols
radiographic changes
Radiographic changesRadiographic changes
Treatment timesTreatment times
BOX REST – Many people ask why!(weeks to months – not days!)
Can take 6-9 months to achieve final results (may never return to full soundness)
Laminitis is best avoidedLaminitis is best avoided
Condition scoring
Fructan levels in feeding
Avoid grazing fresh cut areas
Thank you Spillers!
Laminitis is best avoidedLaminitis is best avoided
Mixed species grazing
Turnout with a muzzle
Founderguard
Laminitis is best avoidedLaminitis is best avoided
Regular exercise native ponies are capable!
Avoid concussive exercise
SummarySummary
LAMINITIS IS A SEVERE DISEASE THAT CAN
KILL OR RESULT IN PERMANENT DEBILITY
Management is :
Costly
Time consuming
Hard work
Can be an uphill battle
Any questions?Any questions?
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