Horse Laminitis Prevention: Rotation and Founder

Laminitis causes devastating hoof damage and chronic pain, with prevention through diet and metabolic management far preferable to treating established disease.

Key Facts

Laminitis involves inflammation of the laminae attaching hoof wall to pedal bone - causing intense pain
Rotation of the pedal bone through the sole is the devastating complication of severe or chronic laminitis
Common triggers include carbohydrate overload, EMS, PPID, and systemic illness
Spring grass surge is a primary trigger - susceptible horses must have restricted grazing
Hoof radiographs guide treatment decisions including corrective trimming and shoeing
MRI provides detailed assessment of soft tissue damage guiding prognosis and treatment planning

Welfare Considerations

Active laminitis causes some of the most severe pain of any equine condition - horses in acute episodes are frequently reluctant to move, shift weight constantly, and show obvious distress. Rotation represents catastrophic hoof damage with uncertain prognosis for return to soundness. Prevention is vastly preferable - identifying and managing metabolic risk factors, implementing spring grazing restrictions, and monitoring digital pulses and hoof temperature provides early warning. Once established, laminitis requires intensive management that continues for the horse's lifetime.

What You Can Do

Identify risk factors in your horses: overweight, cresty neck, PPID signs, previous laminitis episodes
Restrict spring grazing for horses at risk using grazing muzzles, strip grazing, or dry lot access
Monitor digital pulse and hoof temperature weekly in at-risk horses as early warning indicators
Maintain appropriate body condition score - obesity dramatically increases laminitis risk
Seek immediate veterinary assessment for any horse reluctant to move or showing increased digital pulse
Work with a farrier experienced in therapeutic shoeing for horses recovering from laminitis