Horse Laminitis Welfare and Prevention

Laminitis is one of the most painful conditions affecting horses and ponies - understanding its causes and prevention is the most important welfare knowledge for horse owners.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects approximately 7-14% of UK horses and ponies annually, with native pony breeds at particular risk
It involves inflammation of the laminae connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone, causing severe pain
Endocrine laminitis from PPID and Equine Metabolic Syndrome accounts for the majority of cases in older horses
Grass-induced laminitis occurs when horses consume fructan-rich spring and autumn pasture
Severe laminitis causes pedal bone rotation that can penetrate the sole - a welfare catastrophe
Prevention through body condition monitoring, restricted grass access and treatment of underlying endocrine disease is highly effective
Pain management during acute laminitis includes NSAIDs, ice therapy and deep bedding

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis welfare prevention is the primary welfare priority for ponies in particular. The condition causes excruciating pain - affected horses stand with characteristic weight shifting and reluctance to move. Severe cases with pedal bone rotation cause irreversible structural damage. The majority of cases are preventable through management addressing the underlying risk factors: body condition management, appropriate grazing restriction, routine metabolic testing in at-risk individuals, and treatment of diagnosed PPID. Owner education about laminitis risk factors and early signs - ring foot warmth, bounding digital pulse, reluctance to move - enables early veterinary intervention before severe damage occurs.

What You Can Do

Monitor native breeds and overweight horses for laminitis risk factors and restrict spring/autumn grazing
Maintain appropriate body condition - overweight horses have significantly elevated laminitis risk
Test horses over 15 for PPID annually - treatment dramatically reduces endocrine laminitis risk
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect laminitis - early intervention improves prognosis
Remove laminitis-prone horses from lush grass in spring and autumn using stable, dry lot or grazing muzzle