Laminitis in horses - treatment & prevention
Horse hooves
We think it is important to understand the hoof structure, which is why we have briefly summarized it for you here.
Hoof structure in horses – Knowledge about horse hooves
The horse's hoof is an extremely complex structure and essential for the horse's health and mobility. Here is an overview of the most important components:
Outer parts of the hoof:
Hoof wall: This is the outer, hard part of the hoof, visible when the horse strikes the ground. The hoof wall provides protection for the more delicate inner structures of the hoof. The wall is made of horn and grows continuously.
Coronary band: This is the soft, skin-like line where the hoof wall and the skin of the pastern meet. The hoof horn grows from this area.
Bulbus or ball: These are the two soft, rubbery areas at the rear end of the hoof that can be easily squeezed together when touched.
Internal structures of the hoof:
White line: This is a narrow stripe that connects the inner edge of the hoof wall to the sole. It plays an important role in connecting the inner and outer structures of the hoof.
Sole: This is the convex part of the hoof located within the hoof wall. It provides additional protection for the more sensitive internal structures of the hoof.
Frog: This is the V-shaped part of the sole that sits in the middle and has a soft, rubbery consistency.
Coffin bone: This is a bony element inside the hoof that corresponds to the shape of the hoof wall and is crucial for the structure and function of the hoof.
Nausea bone: It lies below the coffin bone and is the pivot point for the coffin joint.
Hoof cartilage: These are located on each side of the hoof and provide flexibility and shock absorption.
Soft part or dermis: This contains many blood vessels and nerves and is crucial for hoof growth and health.
These components work together to provide the horse with mobility and protection. Each part has its own important function, and damage to one part can impact the overall function of the hoof.
A strong hoof is the basis of an active horse life
The horse’s hoof – a highly complex, sensitive organ with a unique function
The horse's hoof is an incredibly complex and sensitive tactile organ, full of life and possessing a highly vascularized hoof corium. This corium not only controls the growth and stability of the hoof horn but is also responsible for transporting nutrients into the hoof and eliminating toxins.
The coffin bone is surrounded by elastic connective tissue and connected to the hoof capsule, ensuring the flexibility and resilience of the entire hoof system. Specific nutrients are essential for maintaining good hoof quality and long-term hoof health and function.
Since the horse's hooves bear the animal's entire weight 24 hours a day, it's especially important to regularly support hoof stability and strengthening. A healthy hoof is characterized by strength and stability. Unfortunately, horse hooves tend to become dry and brittle, especially in summer.
Moisture from the pasture or moisturizing the horse's hoof can help maintain hoof quality. However, caution is advised: Avoid oil-based products, as these seal the hoof's outer protective layer and form a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the hoof. Additionally, bacteria can multiply beneath this layer.
Herbs can provide valuable support for strengthening the hoof structure from within and promoting blood circulation in the hoof capsule. This creates the foundation for strong, stable, and healthy hooves that can withstand daily wear and tear.
Hooves and hoof corium are closely linked to the hoof shape
Influence of hoof shape on the hoof corium and the importance of feeding and husbandry
It is often debated whether hoof shape influences the hoof capsule. The answer is clear: Yes, hoof shape does. However, it's not just the shape of the hoof that plays a role; feeding, housing, toxin ingestion, and the horse's hunger also play a role. These factors collectively affect the health and stability of the hooves.
For hoof health, it is crucial that the horse gets sufficient exercise and receives a low-energy, needs-based crude fiber intake. In the wild, horses forage for 15 to 18 hours a day, consuming food in small portions throughout the day.
Unfortunately, it's not always possible to create these natural conditions in today's husbandry. Horses often find themselves in situations where feedstuffs are plentiful, but contain high levels of carbohydrates and sugars. Feedstuffs such as corn, bananas, alfalfa, and brewer's yeast can also be harmful to horses and increase the risk of metabolic disorders. These disorders can cause significant damage not only to the horse's metabolism but also to the hoof capsule – regardless of hoof shape.
The hoof capsule responds particularly positively to feeds with a high crude fiber content and low energy content, such as hay from less intensively managed meadows. This supports the health of the capsule and promotes hoof quality.
Herbs that support metabolism and provide natural minerals are another important component in promoting hoof health. However, it's important to ensure moderate feeding. Additives and preservatives should be avoided, as they can negatively impact the horse's metabolism and stress the hoof capsule. Less is often more here.
Laminitis in horses – causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention
Laminitis (also called laminitis) is one of the most painful and dangerous diseases that can occur in horses. It affects the hooves and, if not treated promptly, can cause irreparable damage. In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about Laminitis in horses What you need to know: the causes, symptoms, diagnostic options, treatment, and, above all, prevention. The different types of laminitis and frequently asked questions are also covered.
What is laminitis in horses?
Laminitis is an inflammatory disease of the hoof capsule that affects the connection between the coffin bone and the horse's horn capsule. This inflammation leads to a weakened connection, causing the coffin bone to rotate or even sink. This can cause severe pain and, in severe cases, permanent damage to the hooves.
There are different types of laminitis, each requiring different treatment approaches depending on the cause and severity. The most common types include:
- Acute laminitis
- Chronic laminitis
- Subacute laminitis
- Cushing's-associated laminitis (high laminitis)
- starving deer
- Feeding deer
The different types of laminitis
Acute laminitis
The acute form occurs suddenly and is the most common type of the disease. It causes severe inflammation of the hoof capsule and leads to significant lameness. Acute Laminitis in horses is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Causes of acute laminitis:
Feeding errors : Too much sugar in the feed, such as too much fresh grass or sugary hay.
Obesity : Overweight horses have a higher risk of developing laminitis.
Traumatic injuries : A hard blow or injury to the hooves can also cause acute Laminitis trigger.
Symptoms of acute laminitis:
Limping and lameness : The horse is lame, especially in the front hooves.
Hoof sensitivity : The hooves feel hot and are extremely sensitive on hard surfaces.
Pulsation of the hoof arteries : A pulsating sensation in the hoof arteries indicates increased blood circulation.
Treatment of acute laminitis:
Pain relief : Pain relievers such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly used.
Cooling the hooves : Cooling can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Special hoof care : An experienced farrier helps to correct the hoof position.
Chronic laminitis
Chronic Laminitis Often develops after repeated acute episodes or when acute laminitis has not been properly treated. It is characterized by permanent changes in hoof structure and progressive lameness. This form of laminitis is more difficult to treat and can lead to permanent damage in the long term.
Causes of chronic laminitis:
Repeated acute laminitis episodes : Horses that suffer from laminitis multiple times often develop chronic problems.
Poor hoof care : Poor hoof care or the lack of a suitable farrier can lead to chronic Laminitis in horses lead.
Symptoms of chronic laminitis:
Lameness : Persistent lameness, often confirmed by x-rays.
Altered hoof structure : Significant deformations of the hoof may occur.
Deformed hoof walls : The walls of the hooves can become deformed, leading to further problems.
Treatment of chronic laminitis:
Long-term hoof care : Continuous monitoring of hoof health is crucial.
Individual hoof orthopaedy : Hoof boots or special hoof trimming are required to reduce the pressure on the affected hooves.
Subacute laminitis
The subacute Laminitis is an intermediate stage between the acute and chronic forms. It is less severe than acute laminitis, but can be just as painful. If left untreated, it can progress to a chronic form.
Causes of subacute laminitis:
Lack of treatment of acute laminitis : If acute laminitis is not treated in time, it can lead to a subacute form.
Dietary imbalance : Too rapid changes in diet or too much sugar in the diet are common causes.
Symptoms of subacute laminitis:
Mild to moderate lameness : The horse shows only mild to moderate lameness.
Mild inflammation : The hooves may be slightly inflamed and warm.
Treatment of subacute laminitis:
Dietary management : An immediate reduction of the sugar content in the feed is necessary.
Movement adaptation : Excessive strain should be avoided.
Cushing's-associated laminitis (high laminitis)
Horses with the Cushing's syndrome (PPID) are particularly vulnerable to Laminitis , because the hormonal imbalance impairs blood circulation. This form of laminitis often occurs in older horses and is particularly difficult to treat.
Causes of high laminitis:
Cushing's syndrome : A hormonal disorder that negatively affects insulin levels and blood circulation.
Symptoms of high laminitis:
Slow changes in hoof structure : Symptoms develop gradually, but the damage can also become more severe over time.
Hoof deformities : Abnormalities in the hoof structure are frequently observed.
Treatment of high laminitis:
Drug treatment of Cushing's syndrome : Medications such as pergolide help regulate hormone levels.
Feeding management : A targeted diet and regular hoof care are important.
starving deer
The starving deer Laminitis is a specific form of laminitis caused by inadequate feeding or sudden food intake after a prolonged period of fasting. This type of laminitis often occurs when horses suddenly eat a lot after a prolonged period without sufficient food, which leads to overloading of the digestive tract.
Causes of starvation:
Sudden feed intake after fasting : If a horse suddenly eats a lot after long periods without feed, the hoof capsule and blood circulation can be disturbed, which can lead to laminitis.
Incorrect diet : An unbalanced diet in which too much energy is consumed at once promotes the development of Starving deer .
Symptoms of hunger rickets:
Weakness and lameness : The horse shows lameness and discomfort, especially after eating.
Increased body temperature of the hooves : The hooves may be excessively warm and pulsate strongly.
Treatment of starvation:
Slow feeding : A gradual reintroduction of food over several days is important so as not to overload the digestion.
Regular feed control : A balanced and continuous feeding protects against sudden hunger diets and prevents starving deer before.
Feeding deer
The Feeding deer is another very common cause of laminitis in horses and occurs especially when horses consume too much rapidly fermented feed. This type of laminitis is particularly common in horses that are overfed with very sugary feed or grass.
Causes of feeding deer:
Too much sugar and starch : Too much sugar intake (e.g. from too fresh grass or rich hay) can trigger the inflammatory reaction in the hoof capsule.
Sudden change of food source : A rapid change of food without paying attention to the needs of the digestive tract leads to overload.
Symptoms of feeding deer:
Rapid lameness and crippling : The horse shows immediate discomfort and pain when walking, especially when under pressure.
Sensitive hooves : High pulsation and increased temperature in the hooves are often observed.
Treatment of feeding deer:
Feeding adjustment : Reduce the sugar and starch content in the feed.
Cooling and pain relief : Application of ice and pain-relieving medication.
Feed change : Slow adjustment of the feed ration and monitoring of health status.
Common causes of laminitis
Some of the main causes of laminitis include:
Feeding errors : Too high a sugar content in hay and fresh grass can trigger laminitis.
Hormonal disorders : Diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome and insulin resistance promote the development of Laminitis .
Overweight : Horses that are overweight have a higher probability of Laminitis to become ill.
Traumatic injuries : Blows or injuries can cause inflammation of the hoof capsule.
Treatment and prevention of laminitis
The treatment of laminitis in horses depends on the severity of the disease. Important treatment options include:
Pain relief : Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs relieve pain.
Cooling the hooves : Cooling the hooves can help reduce inflammation.
Hoof orthopaedy : Special hoof care by the farrier is often necessary to stabilize the coffin bone.
The following measures are crucial for the prevention of laminitis:
Balanced diet : Reduce the sugar content in the feed, especially if grass-fed.
Weight management : Make sure your horse has a healthy body weight.
Regular hoof care : Have the hooves checked regularly by an experienced farrier.
Correct exercise : Ensure regular exercise, but avoid floors that are too hard.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about laminitis
1. Can laminitis be cured?
Laminitis can be treated, but the success of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the speed of diagnosis. In early stages, laminitis can often be treated with a good prognosis, while in advanced cases, permanent damage to the hoof can occur.
2. How long does it take for a horse to recover from laminitis?
Laminitis can take weeks or even months to heal. A full recovery is often only possible if the horse is treated promptly and no permanent damage to the hooves has occurred.
3. How do I recognize laminitis in my horse?
Early signs of laminitis include lameness, hot flashes in the hooves, and increased pulsation of the hoof arteries. If your horse shows signs of discomfort or pain, consult a veterinarian immediately.
4. Can my horse be fully weight-bearing again after laminitis?
In many cases, horses that have recovered from laminitis can return to normal activity after sufficient recovery time. However, it is important that the horse be monitored regularly to prevent relapses.
5. How can I prevent laminitis in my horse?
You can prevent laminitis through a balanced diet, regular exercise and good hoof care.
6. Which horse breeds are more susceptible to laminitis?
Ponies, especially Shetland ponies and Welsh ponies, are more susceptible to laminitis. Warmbloods and horses with hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome or insulin resistance are also at increased risk.
7. Can laminitis also occur in winter?
Yes, laminitis can occur at any time of year, even in winter. This is especially true when horses consume grass with high sugar content or when stress occurs due to a rapid change in feed.
We recommend our hoof herbs for horses Stehfest
Source: Martina Hemm October 2024
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Hoof herbs for horses - Stehfest
