Horse Laminitis: Emergency and Long-term Welfare

Laminitis is one of the most painful equine conditions, requiring rapid emergency response and careful long-term management to protect welfare.

Key Facts

Laminitis causes inflammation of the laminae in the hoof, causing severe pain and potential pedal bone rotation
Risk factors include obesity, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) and excessive carbohydrate intake
Emergency treatment includes box rest on deep bedding, immediate removal from pasture and veterinary pain management
The Obel grading system (1-4) is used to assess laminitis severity and guide treatment decisions
Early intervention within the first hours of an attack significantly improves welfare outcomes and reduces risk of rotation

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes acute, severe pain that has been described as equivalent to having nails hammered through the fingertips. For horses that experience repeated attacks, the cumulative welfare burden is enormous. Emergency recognition and response is critical because delays in removing the horse from the precipitating cause and initiating pain management worsen the prognosis significantly. Prevention through weight management, pasture management and endocrine disease treatment is the most welfare-positive strategy.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise early signs of laminitis including foot pointing, reluctance to walk and increased digital pulse
Act immediately if you suspect laminitis - do not walk the horse, call your vet and provide deep bedding
Work with your vet to identify and manage underlying causes including EMS and PPID
Implement a laminitis prevention plan including regular body condition scoring and pasture management
Know your horse's risk factors and adjust management seasonally to reduce laminitis risk