Horse Laminitis Prevention: Managing Risk Factors

Laminitis is one of the most painful and feared conditions in horses. Prevention through risk factor management is far more effective than treatment once episodes occur.

Key Facts

Laminitis involves inflammation of the sensitive laminae suspending the pedal bone within the hoof
Severe cases cause rotation or sinking of the pedal bone — causing permanent structural damage
Risk factors include excess dietary sugar and starch, obesity, EMS, PPID, excessive grass consumption, and overwork on hard ground
Ponies, native breeds, and obese horses have the highest risk
Spring and autumn grass with high non-structural carbohydrate content is a major trigger
Recovery from severe laminitis takes months; welfare impact extends long beyond the acute episode

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes some of the most intense pain measurable in horses — affected animals stand with weight shifted to their heels, are reluctant to walk, and show physiological signs of severe pain. Chronic laminitis causes progressive structural damage leading to perpetual discomfort and eventually euthanasia. Prevention through weight management, grazing restriction in high-risk seasons, PPID and EMS diagnosis and treatment, and avoiding known triggers is dramatically more effective at protecting welfare than treating established episodes. Many preventable laminitis cases occur in horses whose owners are unaware of their risk status.

What You Can Do

Monitor body condition score monthly and aim to prevent obesity in laminitis-prone breeds
Restrict pasture access using grazing muzzles or paddock confinement during high-risk spring and autumn periods
Test horses with any laminitis history for EMS (insulin dysregulation) and PPID
Learn early warning signs of impending laminitis (increased digital pulses, reluctance to turn) and act promptly