What is laminitis in a horse?
Traditionally defined as inflammation or edema of the sensitive laminae of the hoof, laminitis is now thought to be a transient ischemia associated with coagulopathy that leads to breakdown and degeneration of the union between the horny and sensitive laminae. In refractory cases, rotation of the pedal bone is a common sequela that may progress to perforation of the sole. The disease is a local manifestation of a more generalized metabolic disturbance, and the hoof problems are classified as acute, subacute, or chronic. It can develop in the forefeet, all four feet, or occasionally only in the hindfeet. Biomechanical laminitis can be seen in a single foot, usually as a complication of a severe lameness or orthopedic disease in the contralateral limb. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.
