March is laminitis month
What is laminitis?
Laminitis is an extremely painful condition that can affect any horse, pony, donkey or their hybrids (this booklet will concentrate on horses and ponies). It is very serious and
you should contact your vet immediately if you suspect your animal may have it.
Laminitis occurs when the finger-like projections of the lamellar layer, which support the pedal bone of the foot within the hoof capsule, become weakened by losing their
normal shape. This results in instability of the pedal bone within the foot, potential inflammation and signs of pain and lameness.
In severe cases, the weakened lamellae may no longer be able to keep the pedal bone in its normal position, causing it to separate from the hoof wall and rotate or drop
towards the sole of the foot, thus crushing the sensitive layers underneath.
Find out more
World Horse Welfare and BOVA have put together a very informative document which details what laminitis is, how it develops, when to call the vet, reducing the risk of laminitis – and much more.
You can read the full document here: Equine laminitis BOVA and WHW
If you’re concerned and would like one of our equine vets to visit you – either for prevention or management, give the team a call.
Tel: 01653 618303