Laminitis is a painful and potentially fatal condition affecting ponies and horses, particularly native and easy-keeper breeds. Prevention through diet management is the welfare priority.
Laminitis causes acute, severe pain from inflammation within the hoof capsule. In severe cases pedal bone rotation through the sole causes permanent lameness and necessitates euthanasia. The condition is largely preventable through dietary management - restricting spring grass access, using track systems, and soaking hay reduces carbohydrate load. Metabolic testing for EMS and PPID identifies at-risk animals where dietary management alone may be insufficient without hormonal treatment.