|
|
HOME |
|
|
SEARCH OUR SITE
Enter Item # or Keyword
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Laminitis
|
|
What is Laminitis?
Laminitis is a separation of the laminae from the coffin bone because of a disruption
in blood supply to the hoof. This disruption may be caused by multiple factors or
other systemic problems. The laminae are the main “support structure” to keep the
coffin bone, or P3 stable and level. When the blood supply is affected, the laminae
start to weaken and pull apart, causing the coffin bone to become unstable and potentially
rotate downward. All of the exact reasons why this occurs are still unknown.
Is Founder the Same as Laminitis?
No. Often thought to be the same, Founder is actually the name for what happens
when horses have laminitis and as a result there are changes in the integrity and
structure of the hoof. There are various changes that can be present, including
coffin bone rotation. It is a chronic problem which is a consequence of developing
Laminitis.
What Does Coffin Bone “Rotation” Mean?
When the coffin bone rotates in a downward fashion, it causes pain, pressure, and
a high likelihood of lameness for the horse. Coffin bone rotation can occur in varying
degrees, with “1” being the mildest degree of rotation, and “4” being the most severe.
When complete separation of the laminae occurs, the horse is called a “sinker” because
the coffin bone will “sink” to the bottom or through the bottom of the foot.
Is Laminitis Serious?
It depends on the severity of the condition. Horses with a slight degree of rotation
can usually lead a high quality of life, and may also be ridable. Severe cases need
intense, supportive care; it is very much a case by case disease. It is important
to remember that horses that have foundered are predisposed to getting laminitis
again, and must be carefully managed. There are often permanent changes in the horse’s
lifestyle for the remainder of its life. The disease itself is not deadly, but the
secondary conditions produced from laminitis or founder can be very grave if not
treated promptly.
What are Some Common Causes of Laminitis?
** It is important to note that there are often multiple factors involved in what
predisposes or creates laminitis, and the exact reasons why this kind of damage
occurs to the hoof structures is still unknown.
- Digestive Upsets due to abrupt changes in diet or carbohydrate/sugar overload
- Access to Lush grass that is uncontrolled (ie horses body does not have time to
adapt)
- Known or unknown toxins introduced to horse’s system
- High fever, pathogenic diseases that cause high fever, or metabolic diseases
- Retained placenta
- Severe colic
- Excessive concussion
- Uneven weight bearing (on primary leg) because of injury
- Lengthy use or high doses of corticosteroids
- Black walnut shavings
- Some prescribed drugs used
- Hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders
What are the Symptoms of Laminitis?
There are two types of laminitis, chronic and acute. Acute Laminitis symptoms include:
- Lameness, especially turning in circles
- Heat in the feet (in occurrence w/ other symptoms)
- Strong digital pulse in the feet
- Pain in the toes region when hoof tester is applied
- Unwillingness to move or walk, when forced will “walk on eggshells”
- Stands with weight towards the hindquarters, leaning back to alleviate pressure
on the front feet
Chronic Laminitis Symptoms Include:
- Rings in hoof wall (in accordance w/ other symptoms)
- Bruised soles
- Chronic abscesses, wide white line or seedy toe
- Dropped and flat soles
- Thick cresty neck
- Dished hooves even when properly maintained. The “ski” look
How Can You Treat Laminitis?
There is no cure for foundered horses or horses that have laminitis, prevention
is the best remedy. Horses who are afflicted can benefit greatly from supportive
care to help prevent damage and further pain. Things that may help, decided again
on a case by case basis by your veterinarian:
-
Administer fluids
- Administering anti-coagulants, NSAIDS, antibiotics to fight infection, vasodilators,
and anti-endotoxin drugs
- Soft bedding that encourages horse to lie down
- Provide frog and sole support, and take pressure off of the hoof wall only under
the guidance of an experienced veterinarian or farrier
- X-rays to determine if treatment working/degree of damage
- Careful diet, low in grain
- Top quality hoof care including an excellent
hoof supplement
- Management of all other predisposing conditions, particularly for chronic sufferers
What Kinds of Nutraceuticals are Useful in the Treatment Laminitis and Foundered
Horses?
These supplements may increase the speed of healing, lessen the amount of damage,
and may make the horse more comfortable with this painful condition. *** Horses
with the condition, who have chronic laminitis, or those who have foundered in the
past should always have had a veterinarian’s exam and opinion on proper treatment
for the individual animal.***
Other Possible Sources of Help:
- Recovery EQ ( helps speed tissue
repair, promote circulation)
- Phyto-Flex (de-toxifying, pain
reliving, and anti-inflammatory properties)
- Zero-Bute ( herbal mild bute substitute
for pain relief, inflammation)
- InflamAway EQ ( Yucca , MSM, Glucosamine
and Chondroitin to ease pain, inflammation)
- Lame-Away (Glucosamine, grape
seed, amino acids to help w/ pain and healing)
- BL –Solution ( anti-inflammatory,
pain –reducing properties)
- Jiaogulan (This Asian herb has shown promise in helping to treat the inflammation
that occurs with Laminitis. SmartPak currently does not carry any supplements that
have this ingredient at this time.) Dr. Eleanor Kellon is a veterinarian at the
forefront of a study on the effects of Jiaogulan and Nitric Oxide, and may be contacted
at drkellon@aol.com for more information on
her research.)
**Please be aware of supplement manufacturers that make claims of being able to
cure laminitis. There are no ingredients in any supplement that will cure all of
the effects of Laminitis or Founder. The rotation of the coffin bone is a permanent
change and there is no scientific data to support otherwise.
**As with all Medical issues, please contact your veterinarian for information on
the care and treatment of your horse.**
References:
Robertson, I. and Hood, D. “What is meant by the term Foundering.”
Loree, S. “Laminitis Simplified.”
Kellon, E. “Jiaogulan and Nitric Oxide Protocol”
“Equine Health Care, Laminitis.” Bayer Health, Inc., 2003
|
|
|