Laminitis in Horses and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Laminitis is one of the most painful conditions in horses and ponies, causing lasting damage to the sensitive laminae of the hoof.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects approximately 7-14% of horses and ponies in the UK each year
Pasture-associated laminitis linked to non-structural carbohydrate intake is the most common form
Severe laminitis causes rotation or sinking of the pedal bone causing permanent structural damage
Equine metabolic syndrome and Cushings disease are major risk factors
Immediate box rest and pain management are critical when laminitis is first detected

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes severe, acute pain as inflammation disrupts blood flow to the sensitive laminae supporting the pedal bone. In severe cases, the pedal bone rotates or sinks through the sole, causing permanent deformity and chronic pain. Animals with chronic laminitis experience ongoing discomfort affecting every step. Prevention through dietary management, appropriate exercise, and addressing metabolic conditions is more effective than treatment. Many laminitis cases result from overfeeding and are entirely preventable.

What You Can Do

Monitor grazing access carefully and use track systems or restricted grazing for laminitis-prone animals
Seek immediate veterinary attention at first signs of laminitis including heat in the feet and reluctance to move
Test horses with recurrent laminitis for equine metabolic syndrome and Cushings disease
Work with a farrier and vet to develop a corrective shoeing plan for chronic laminitis cases