What Are The Causes Of Equine Founder And Laminitis?
A number of factors can predispose horses to laminitis. High on the list is improper dietary intake. Horses that are fed too much grain in their diet are especially at risk as are horses that are suddenly changed to a high energy legume diet. Additionally, some horses are prone to develop laminitis when they are allowed access to lush pasture, especially if that pasture contains a large amount of clover. Horses undergoing a severe systemic illness are also predisposed to developing laminitis. Illnesses that fit this category are proximal enteritis (intestinal inflammation), obstructions and strangulations of the small intestine, colitis, diarrhea, pleuropneumonia, metritis (uterine infection), and septicemia (bacteria in bloodstream) or toxemia of any origin.
