Horse Laminitis Prevention and Emergency Response

Laminitis is one of the most painful and disabling conditions affecting horses and ponies, but is largely preventable with appropriate management.

Key Facts

Laminitis involves inflammation and structural failure of the laminar tissue bonding the pedal bone to the hoof wall
Dietary carbohydrate overload, PPID/EMS, and systemic illness are the most common triggers
Native pony breeds including Shetlands, Welsh, and New Forest ponies are particularly predisposed to pasture-induced laminitis
Rotational founder — sinking of the pedal bone through the sole — represents severe end-stage laminitis requiring immediate emergency intervention
Prevention focuses on dietary management, weight control, and treatment of underlying endocrine conditions

Welfare Considerations

Acute laminitis causes extraordinary pain — affected horses are described as standing on hot coals. Horses with rotational founder may be unable to walk and experience constant severe pain with every movement. The condition is largely preventable through pasture management, dietary control, and endocrine monitoring, making owner knowledge and management compliance the most important welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Restrict grazing for predisposed breeds using a grazing muzzle or track system to limit calorie intake from grass
Monitor body condition score monthly and maintain a lean condition to reduce metabolic laminitis risk
Contact your vet immediately if your horse shows reluctance to walk, a bounding digital pulse, or heat in the feet
Test horses over 15 years and native ponies for PPID and EMS annually as these are major laminitis risk factors