Companion Animal Welfare

Laminitis in Horses: Prevention and Welfare Impact

Laminitis is one of the most painful equine conditions and one of the leading causes of euthanasia in horses; prevention through appropriate management is more effective and humane than treatment.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects an estimated 1 in 10 horses and ponies annually
Native pony breeds are disproportionately susceptible due to metabolic thriftiness
Pasture restriction and weight management dramatically reduce laminitis incidence
Chronic laminitis causes persistent pain affecting 30-40% of affected animals long-term

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis involves inflammation and disruption of the sensitive laminae connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone, causing intense pain with each step. Severe cases result in pedal bone rotation that permanently alters hoof anatomy. The condition is largely preventable through appropriate pasture management, weight control, and monitoring of dietary sugar content — making owner education the most impactful welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Manage overweight horses and ponies through dietary restriction rather than increased exercise alone
Restrict pasture access during high-sugar periods (spring flush, drought recovery)
Know the early signs of laminitis — reluctance to move, rocked-back stance, warm hooves — for early intervention