What is laminitis?
Laminitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lamina within the foot of a horse. The lamina are what attach the coffin bone to the inside of the hoof wall. As the swelling takes place within the enclosed hoof – the horse suffers great pain and the lamina lose needed blood supply and can be permanently damaged. This damage can allow the coffin bone to rip loose from its attachments and rotate – this is referred to as “founder”. Laminitis can be caused by a number of things: systemic disease, colic, grain overload, lush pasture grass (spring or fall), black walnut shavings, stress, etc. It is considered an emergency and requires immediate care. Horses with laminitis are often reluctant to move or even stand on their feet.
