Laminitis is a common illness known about by horse lovers, as native ponies on pasture that is too lush are common victims. It is caused by inflammation of the laminae in the hoof.In this article I will discuss how it happens and ways of managing laminitis.How does Laminitis happen? The sensitive laminae lie between the wall of the hoof and the pedal bone. As this area gets inflamed, the feet become extremely painful. The illness is usually associated with over-eating, especially where grass is lush and full of starches.More rarely it may be associated with any situation associated with toxaemia or septicaemia, and it is also seen in Cushing ’s disease, obesity, and hypothyroidism.The blood supply to the foot is affected, and in severe cases there is some separation of the laminae from the hoof wall.It is possible that laminitis is related to a build up of toxic metals such as aluminium, as acid rain falls and the chemicals are concentrated in cereals.Clinical Signs of Laminitis: The forefeet tend to be affected more than the hind feet, so affected horses will appear to lean back as they try to ease their weight off the fore-feet.In acute laminitis, there is constant […]

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