Laminitis

 

If you have never seen a horse or pony going through the agony of laminitis~ count your blessings.

Laminitis is traditionally thought of as a disease of small fat ponies on spring grass. In fact any horse or pony can suffer an attack and although more common during the milder weather these can occur at any time of the year. In recent years the British Laminitis Clinic has treated more horses than ponies. The mechanisms that cause laminitis are not fully understood but it is a potentially serious condition and should always be treated as an emergency. Symptoms of laminitis may include all or some of the following;

Lying down more than usual - often showing a reluctance to get up.

The horse/pony may adopt the classic laminitis stance (see picture right) - with his back feet as far under him as possible and his front feet pushed out in front of him - with his weight more on his heels.

The feet may feel hot - particularly around the coronet and the bulbs of the heel. The picture - above, centre - shows a typical laminetic foot, with rings that grow wider towards the edges of the hoof than in the centre. The digital pulse in the fetlock area may be stronger than normal - it is normally very faint (your vet or farrier will be able to show you how to check this)

Lameness - in a varying degree, this will be more noticeable if the pony turns sharply. He may be sound on soft going but very foot sore on hard or uneven going.

The horse or pony will often shift his weight . Raising one foot (typically the front feet) then the other as if to rest each in turn. He may place his nose on his feet as if to indicate the area of the pain.

The pain of laminitis is severe and the animal may be noticeably depressed.
If you suspect laminitis contact your vet immediately - early treatment increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Whilst you are waiting for the vet to arrive;
Withhold all food . If the horse/pony is able to walk and the distance is short, place him in a deeply bedded stable or stand him on sand. Do not force him to walk if he shows an obvious reluctance, consider using a low loading trailer if practical or wait where you are, ensuring someone can direct the vet to you. Opinion on the treatment of laminitis does vary but generally your vet will advise your pony be kept still in a deeply bedded stable until the inflammation and pain subsides. Gentle exercise, ie a few minutes walking in hand may be beneficial but forced walking of an animal in extreme pain is now known to be detrimental as well as inhumane.

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