After colic, this is the second-highest cause of death among horses and ponies, warns Kim Dyson.
Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive structures in the hoof called the laminae. These resemble tiny folds of skin and are there to hold the coffin bone tightly within the hoof capsule.
You can tell how good the ‘connection’ is by looking at the white line (the inner hoof wall). If it’s tight (narrow), the laminae are strong. If the line is ‘stretched’ (broad), the horse could be suffering from laminitis. If this is not treated promptly, the horse may founder. This is where the pedal bone rotates within the hoof capsule, possibly penetrating the sole.
It is often thought that laminitis is related to obesity, but the problem has more to do with the health of the laminae, and there are usually several factors contributing to the condition. Laminitis should be regarded as a serious phase of an ongoing problem. For example, a pony may have trotted too fast down a stony road, causing mechanical damage to its hooves, and this may lead to laminitis.
CAUSES AND PREVENTION
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