Laminitis / Founder

The Information contained below has been researched through numerous resources.
We post only information that has consensus and as such is only general in nature.

We strongly suggest you perform more in depth independent research if you have any concerns regarding your horses health.

Definition:

Laminitis/Founder Inflammation of the Laminae of the foot.


Special Note:

If you suspect your horse has Laminitis / Founder consult your Veterinarian & Farrier immediately.
If left untreated the inflammation may cause severe damage to the foot.

The affliction can develop very quickly.

Causes:

• Drinking too much cold water after exercise.
• Enterotoxemia, over consumption of grains or lush pasture
• Running on hard ground
• Systemic Infection
• Trauma
• Exposure to certain drugs (anti-Inflammatory)

Symptoms:

• May not be obvious at a walk when not severe
• Reluctance to walk and a tender step when they do.
• Lameness & a diverging ring around the hoof wall
• Foot feels warm
• Horse may appear upset or anxious.
• Increased respiratory rates
• Refusal to stand (usually in severe cases)
• If forced to stand may make a shuffling, stumbling motion
• Elevated pulse rate in the afflicted area
• Trembling when made to move.
• Usually found in the forefeet but can effect all.
• When only in the forefeet horse may stand with hind limbs carried well under the body.

Prevention

• Limit access to water after workout.
• Water should be tempered not cold.
• Reduce the amount of time the horse has access to Lush pasture
• Reduce the amount of grains, use hay as replacement.

Treatment:

• Consult your veterinarian at the first sign
• Consult an experienced farrier
• Physical Exam should allow diagnosis along with X Rays
• Limit exercise
• Corrective shoeing
• Soaking in warm water
• Limit hard surface access
• Prevention is the best defence

Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals has developed a natural Herbal Horse Supplement formula in "Antiflam" which assists in combating inflammation of the joint and the associated pain that results.
Please Click Here to go to the Ligaments & Joints page of our site to read more.

Published References

• UC Davis Book of Horses
• The Whole Horse Catalague