Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Laminitis Prevention and Early Intervention

Laminitis is a potentially career-ending and life-threatening condition in horses, and prevention through management is far better than treatment.

Key Facts

Laminitis causes painful inflammation of the laminar tissue connecting hoof wall to bone
Pasture grass with high sugar content is a primary trigger in susceptible horses
Horses and ponies with Equine Metabolic Syndrome are at highest risk
Digital pulse assessment and hoof temperature monitoring enable early detection
Rotation of grazing and restricted turnout during high-risk periods prevents episodes

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes intense, chronic pain that in severe cases requires euthanasia. Prevention through diet and exercise management is highly effective for at-risk horses. Early detection enables treatment before irreversible structural changes occur.

What You Can Do

Test pasture sugar content and restrict grazing in spring and autumn for susceptible horses
Learn to detect increased digital pulses and hoof heat indicating early laminitis
Work with your vet to manage EMS and PPID - the primary laminitis risk factors