Horse Laminitis Prevention and Welfare Management

Laminitis is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions in horses, with prevention through dietary management offering the greatest welfare benefit.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects the sensitive laminar tissue connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone, causing intense pain and structural damage
Pasture-associated laminitis from high fructan grass intake is the most common cause, particularly in overweight ponies and horses
Severe cases result in pedal bone rotation or sinking within the hoof capsule, causing permanent damage and recurrent pain
Pain management during acute episodes requires veterinary analgesia, anti-inflammatory medication, and strict dietary restriction
Computed tomography and MRI have transformed understanding of laminitic structural changes enabling more targeted treatment

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes some of the most severe pain experienced by horses, with acute episodes involving intense throbbing pain and reluctance to move. Chronic laminitis creates ongoing welfare compromise with recurrent painful episodes and permanent structural changes that require lifelong careful management. The most impactful welfare intervention is prevention through appropriate dietary management, particularly for overweight equids with endocrine conditions predisposing to laminitis. Prompt emergency treatment during acute episodes significantly influences long-term outcomes.

What You Can Do

Restrict access to lush grass particularly in spring and autumn for predisposed horses and ponies
Maintain equids at appropriate body condition score to reduce metabolic laminitis risk
Seek emergency veterinary care at first signs of laminitis including lameness, heat in hooves, and shifted weight stance
Test predisposed horses for equine metabolic syndrome and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction as underlying conditions