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Laminitis

I don't want to claim any medical expertise in the least here.  If you suspect laminitis, call your veterinarian immediately and do what they say.  With that said, there is a lot of information available for what is still a very nebulous subject. 

I focus on the mechanics of the disease more than physiology as that is what a farrier can effect.  There are a few interesting case histories here.

Links and references pertaining to laminitis which may be useful in learning more.

http://www.uq.edu.au/~apcpolli/

Chris. C. Pollitt. BVsc. Ph.D from the University of Queensland
Adams Lameness in Horses by Ted S. Stashak  Fifth Edition
www.roodandriddle.com Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital

March 15, 2005:  Arra - A very good prognosis.

Feb 8, 2005:  Savannah - A previously very poor prognosis looking fine today.

2006:  Dakota - A mild chronic case.

Summer 2007: Dixie - Concussion laminitis. 

Technical Definitions (A link to a reference page is to come soon)

Laminitis is the inflammation and/or degeneration of the laminae of the foot.  It usually affects both front feet.  The deep digital flexor tendon tends to pull on the coffin bone.  Depending on the damage to the laminae, the coffin bone may rotate and/or sink (founder). 

Typical causes of laminitis:  Almost any serious stress seems to be able to cause laminitis.

  1. Metabolic

  2. Obesity- carbohydrate overload by grazing or too much grain

  3. Gastrointestinal inflammation

  4. Black walnut shavings

  5. Hooves trimmed too short

  6. Mechanical or concussion 

Clinical signs of acute laminitis:  When signs are present, they are only an indication of the damage already present.  Signs are delayed from the inciting cause.

  1. Typical saw-horse stance is front feet out front as if trying to stay off toes.  Hind end is under horse and stressed.

  2. Increased digital pulse.

  3. Increased heat in hoof.

  4. Shifting feet incessantly.

Obel grade of severity:

  1. At rest the horse alternately and incessantly lifts the feet, often at intervals of a few seconds.  Lameness is not evident at a walk, but a short stilted gait is noted at a trot.

  2. The horse moves willingly at a walk, but the gait is stilted.  A foot can be lifted off the ground without difficulty.

  3. The horse moves very reluctantly and vigorously resists attempts to have a foot lifted off the ground.

  4. The horse refuses to move and will not do so unless forced.

Mechanical treatments for laminitis (help from the farrier):

  1. Coronary grooving

  2. Hoof wall resection

  3. Roller motion shoes

  4. Open toe bar shoe

  5. Heart bar shoes

  6. Caudal support shoes i.e. plates welded on bottom of shoes.