Laminitis is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions affecting horses. Prevention through diet management, exercise, and early intervention dramatically reduces suffering.
Laminitis causes severe, often chronic pain and is a leading reason for equine euthanasia when severe or recurrent. The suffering of laminitic horses is profound — acute episodes involve intense pain from inflamed sensitive tissue, while chronic laminitis causes persistent discomfort with every step. Many cases are preventable through appropriate dietary management, yet laminitis remains extremely common, often because owners underestimate grazing risk or miss early warning signs. Horses with underlying EMS or PPID require lifelong management to prevent recurrence. The emotional and financial burden of managing chronic laminitis is significant for owners, making prevention education critically important.