founder [foun-der] – verb
To fall or sink down, to stumble, break down, or go lame
laminitis [lam-uh-nahy-tis] – noun
Inflammation of sensitive laminae in the hoof of a horse
Founder and laminitis are interchangeable terms used by horsemen around the world.
Laminitis can be caused by any event that stresses your horse – from concussive forces on a hard
surface, lush feeds, to hormonal imbalances or illnesses. Your horse can also founder if he has a
condition known as metabolic syndrome – a disease rather like diabetes in people – where high glucose
diets over the years, obesity, and genetic predisposition can result in multiple physical changes within
the horse’s body.
Foundering horses are in extreme pain. Your veterinarian should be consulted whenever your horse
appears stiff, points a foot, or shifts weight from leg to leg. In later stages of laminitis, the horse may
refuse to move, lie down excessively, or sweat with pain. The prognosis for recovery is better if the
horse is treated early in the course of the disease. Careful attention to body condition scoring (a
method of monitoring body fat) can help prevent problems from starting. (see
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4830 )
Thorough diagnosis includes a physical examination, hoof examination, and may include blood work
(routine, blood glucose, insulin levels, ACTH levels, and sometimes suppression tests and thyroid
testing).
Treatments include icing the feet, changing footing/ supporting the frog and sole of the foot (shoes,
special boots, or Styrofoam taped to hooves), and anti-inflammatories (like bute). Your veterinarian
may also choose to administer a drug such as acepromazine or pentoxyphylline to improve circulation.
Many horses with environmentally induced laminitis (excessive grain or grass consumption, concussion
on a hard road, etc) can be successfully managed with only these therapies. Horses that have
experienced laminitis need their owners to closely monitor their weight, and follow feeding guidelines
with respect to both amount and types of feed.
If your horse is experiencing laminitis due to non-environmental disease (he has been ill - especially with
diarrhoea, colic or a severe infection) the pain and inflammation can be much more difficult to manage.
Your veterinarian will probably choose additional medications to treat the underlying disease, and will
likely treat the pain and inflammation more aggressively. He or she will treat the diarrhoea, colic or
infection as well as manage the inflammation in your horse’s feet.
Metabolic syndrome horses are a special group. They need strict diet changes to help manage their
insulin resistance, and most benefit from (short or long term) thyroid supplementation, pergolide, and
on-going shoeing changes.
Laminitis can be life threatening. Despite all your best efforts, it can progress to severe physical changes
in the feet, and/or incurable lameness. Prevention lies in keeping your horse fit, active and lean. Good
management and health care are imperative. Wellness programs delivered by your veterinarian can
help you identify risk factors before they result in a problem.
Deborah Carroll DVM
Edmonton Equine Veterinary Centre
deborah.carroll@edmontonequine.ca
Sherwood Park, AB