Laminitis Prevention in Horses: Protecting Hoof Health

Laminitis is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions in horses. Preventing this devastating disease protects equine welfare far more effectively than treating established cases.

Key Facts

Laminitis involves inflammation of the sensitive laminae connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone
In severe cases the pedal bone rotates or sinks through the sole — a welfare catastrophe
Risk factors include obesity, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Cushing's disease, and lush pasture intake
Pony breeds and Thoroughbreds have different risk profiles and management requirements
Digital pulse and hoof warmth are early signs of laminitis development
Chronic laminitis causes permanent structural changes and recurrent painful episodes

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes intense hoof pain — affected horses adopt a characteristic rocked-back stance trying to transfer weight off their forefeet. Severe or neglected cases result in pedal bone rotation that may be irreversible and require euthanasia on welfare grounds. Prevention through weight management, controlled pasture access using grazing muzzles or restricted paddocks, treating EMS and Cushings disease, and avoiding sudden dietary changes is far more effective than treating established disease. Winter management of high-risk horses includes monitoring for Cushing's disease signs, as ACTH levels peak in autumn and trigger laminitis flares.

What You Can Do

Maintain healthy body weight in all horses, especially ponies and native breeds
Test for EMS and Cushing's disease in horses that have had laminitis episodes
Use grazing muzzles or restricted paddocks during lush spring and autumn pasture growth
Monitor digital pulses and hoof temperature daily in high-risk horses
Seek veterinary assessment at the first sign of reluctance to move or abnormal stance