UNDERSTANDING LAMINITIS!

by James A. Orsini, DVM, ACVS, New Bolton Center , School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Laminitis is a complex disease of the horse that can result in chronic lameness, debilitation and euthanasia is often required. Few people in the world knew anything about the disease until 2006 Kentucky Derby winner “Barbaro” became yet another victim. “Secretariat” also suffered from laminitis and this disease ultimately contributed to his demise. The disease affects horses of all classes, the causes are many and the treatments vary widely. The disease was recognized as early as 350 BC in Greek writings, as “Barley Disease”, and was an important concern of the horsemen.

The more serious component of the disease is that it doesn't directly cause the death of the horse but instead deprives the horse of mobility due to the limited weight the horse is able to place on the affected foot and in many cases, more than one foot. Horses therefore cope with chronic pain for extended periods of time which can result in a lifelong handicap.

There are many predisposing or inciting events that can lead to the disease. Carbohydrate overload, from ingestion of grain or lush pasture, is a common cause for the disease in horses and ponies. Other causes include Equine Cushing's Disease, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, colic, infections, ingestion of toxic substances and excessive weight bearing on one leg for a prolonged period. Treatments comprise nutritional, trimming and shoeing, medical and surgical therapy depending on the stage and cause of the disease.

(note: TCA is a proud annual sponsor of the International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot)