Laminitis: Prevention and treatment

&middot Horses who have had previous episodes of laminitis

&middot Older horses with Cushing's disease

Signs

Signs of acute laminitis include the following:

&middot Shifting weight bearing legs when standing.

&middot Heat in the feet.

&middot Increased digital pulse in the feet

&middot Pain in the toe region when pressure is applied with hoof testers.

&middot Reluctant or hesitant gait ("walking on eggshells").

&middot A "sawhorse stance," with the front feet stretched out in front to alleviate pressure on the toes and the hind feet positioned under them to support the weight that their front feet cannot.

Treatment

The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance for recovery. Treatment will depend on specific circumstances but may include the following:

&middot Diagnosing and treating the primary problem (laminitis is often due to a systemic or general problem elsewhere in the horse's body).

&middot Dietary restrictions; stop feeding

all grain-based feeds and pasture. Feed only grass hay until advised by your veterinarian.

&middot Treating with mineral oil via a nasogastric tube to purge the horse's digestive tract, especially if the horse has overeaten.

&middot Administering fluids if the horse is ill or dehydrated.

&middot Administering anti-inflammatories such as Bute or Banamine.

&middot Stabling the horse on soft ground, such as in sand, pea-gravel or shavings.

&middot Opening and draining any abscesses that may develop.