Laminitis in Horses: Preventing a Devastating and Painful Foot Condition

Laminitis — inflammation of the laminar tissue connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone — is one of the most painful and potentially life-limiting conditions in horses and ponies. Prevention is far more effective than treatment.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects approximately 7–14% of horses and ponies, with native breeds and ponies at highest risk
The laminar tissue connects the coffin bone to the hoof wall; inflammation disrupts this bond, potentially allowing the bone to rotate or sink
Major triggers include dietary carbohydrate overload (particularly spring grass), PPID (equine Cushing's disease), and systemic illness with endotoxaemia
Acute laminitis causes intense pain in the feet — affected horses adopt a characteristic "camped out" stance to shift weight to their heels
Chronic laminitis with pedal bone rotation causes permanent structural changes and may require months or years of management
Grass management, restricted grazing during high-sugar periods (spring, autumn, sunny days after frost), and diet control are the primary preventive tools
Horses with PPID are at significantly elevated laminitis risk and require specific management and pergolide medication

Welfare Considerations

Acute laminitis is among the most painful conditions horses experience. The pain is severe, constant, and localized to the feet — areas that must bear the animal's full weight. Affected horses are in distress, reluctant to move, and may lie down and be unable to rise in severe cases. Chronic laminitis produces ongoing low-grade pain that diminishes quality of life over extended periods. The condition is often preventable: consistent grass management, weight monitoring, and PPID treatment in at-risk horses substantially reduce incidence. When laminitis occurs despite preventive measures, rapid veterinary intervention including pain management, corrective farriery, and diet restriction limits structural damage and reduces the duration of suffering.

What You Can Do

Restrict grazing for at-risk horses and ponies during high-risk periods — especially spring and after frost
Test horses over 15 years of age for PPID annually and treat with pergolide if diagnosed
Maintain healthy body condition scores — obesity dramatically increases laminitis risk
Know the early signs: foot heat, increased digital pulse, and reluctance to walk on hard ground
Develop a laminitis emergency plan with your vet and farrier before a crisis occurs