OAKLANDS VETERINARY
CENTRE
Laminitis Information
EQUINE  FARM ANIMAL  COMPANION PETS
What is laminitis?
Laminitis is a painful condition of the horse’s foot. It
literally means inflammation of the laminae which are
part of the attachment between the hoof and the
bones of the foot. In laminitis the
laminae are damaged causing
the bones in the foot to become
detached from the hoof, which
can lead to rotation and sinking of
the pedal bone.
What causes laminitis?
Despite extensive research the exact cause of laminitis
is still not well understood. But a number of high risk
situations have been identified. The best way to
prevent laminitis is to avoid these situations:

Obesity

Overeating foods rich in carbohydrate i.e.
cereals, coarse mixes, rapidly growing or
fertilised grass.

Cushing's Disease.

Weight-bearing laminitis. When the horse is
severely lame on one leg and has to put all his
weight on the other.

When horses are subjected to fast or
prolonged work on hard surfaces.

Stress. In rare cases worming, vaccination,
traveling or separation from a "friend" can
trigger an attack of laminitis.

Systemic bacterial infection e.g after foaling or
during an episode of colic.
Obesity and Laminitis
weight on the laminae but also fat has a direct
hormonal effect, increasing the risk of recurrent laminitis
(this is part of Equine Metabolic Syndrome).
Cushing’s and Laminitis
Cushing’s is a disease of older horses and ponies
caused by a natural change in hormone balance. The
main sign to look out for is your horse failing to shed its
winter coat. The coat becomes thick and matted, and
your horse may eat and drink more whilst losing weight.
If you suspect Cushing’s notify OVC, who will send a vet
to perform some simple tests and advise you on
managing the condition.
How to prevent laminitis
Monitor your horse’s weight – weigh tapes are
available from OVC and our vets will happily advise
you on the ideal weight for your horse. Alternatively
ask for advice on body condition scoring your horse
or visit the link below.
Be warned, a horse in ‘show condition’ might be
considered over weight, and at increased risk of
metabolic syndrome and laminitis.
A controlled
program of weight loss should be started. This will be
beneficial for the overall health of your horse. Over
feeding is un-necessary and will negatively affect
your horse’s health.
Signs of Laminitis







Heat in the foot and a strong pulse – your vet
can show you how to feel for this.
Anxiety and visible trembling.
Sweating.
Walking very tenderly, as if walking on egg
shells.
Repeated "easing" of affected feet.
Lameness.
Prolonged lying down.
What to do if you suspect laminitis
Call OVC immediately on 01642 760313
Bring the horse in from the field (only move your horse if
it is willing to walk). Cold hose or ice the feet. Place
your horse in a stable with a deep (preferably shavings)
bed and provide water, but remove all food.
Obesity is a major risk factor in the development of
laminitis. Not only does a heavier horse mean more
OAKLANDS VETERINARY CENTRE
Low Lane
Yarm
TS15 9JT
Mr Graham Russ BVetMed MRCVS
Ms Caroline Blakiston BSc BVM&S MRCVS
Miss Emma Carter BVM&S MRCVS
Mrs Allison Walters BVSc MRCVS
Mr Phil Cramp BSc BVM&S MS MRCVS
Dr Rachel Heenan BSc DVM MRCVS
Ms Kerry Beauchamp BVMS MRCVS
Mr Liam Gamble BA VetMB MRCVS
Office: +44 (0)1642 760313 Fax: +44 (0)1642762370
Emergency: +44 (0)7812251622
VAT Reg. NO. 292756618
Avoid
lush
grass,
and
carbohydrate rich feeds. Look
for the Laminitis Trust logo on
feed bags and feed according
to the advice given and the
recommendations of your vet.
Consider using a muzzle to limit
grazing – starvation paddocks
can be useful but beware even
short grass can have high levels
of sugar.
Be vigilant. Look for the signs of laminitis and call
Oakland’s if you become concerned.
For more information on laminitis prevention visit:
www.laminitis.org/
Or to find out about body condition scoring:
www.newc.co.uk/advice/bodyscore.php