Laminitis is one of the most painful and welfare-impacting conditions in horses and ponies. Proactive risk management and prompt recognition of early signs prevent the devastating welfare outcomes of severe attacks.
Laminitis causes severe pain — horses with acute laminitis experience inflammation so intense that they are unable to bear weight normally. The chronic welfare burden of repeated attacks includes permanent structural changes, ongoing pain, and progressive deterioration. Prevention is both more humane and more effective than treatment. Risk factor identification and management — body condition scoring, dietary restriction, PPID screening and treatment, and appropriate exercise management — enable most at-risk horses to avoid severe attacks. The welfare-positive approach requires owner education, veterinary engagement with preventive care, and willingness to make management changes before rather than after laminitis strikes.