Equine Laminitis Welfare and Prevention

Laminitis is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions in horses and ponies, requiring immediate management and long-term preventative strategies.

Key Facts

Laminitis involves inflammation of the laminar tissues connecting the pedal bone to the hoof wall
Native pony breeds including Welsh, Dartmoor, and New Forest are highly susceptible
Dietary overload of fermentable carbohydrates in grass is the most common trigger
Rotation and sinking of the pedal bone occurs in severe cases causing permanent lameness
Endocrine conditions including PPID and Equine Metabolic Syndrome are major risk factors

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes intense pain that is often described as walking on broken glass. Acute cases cause the horse to adopt a characteristic camped-out stance and are reluctant to move. Severe cases require euthanasia if rotation is irreversible. Chronic laminitis causes persistent low-grade pain that significantly compromises quality of life. Prevention through dietary management, weight control, and treatment of underlying endocrine disease is far preferable to managing acute episodes. Regular farriery and veterinary monitoring are essential for susceptible breeds and individuals. The welfare burden of chronic laminitis in native ponies and companion horses is substantial.

What You Can Do

Restrict grass access for native pony breeds prone to laminitis, particularly in spring and autumn
Test for PPID and EMS in older ponies showing laminitis signs
Maintain healthy body weight in horses through dietary management and regular exercise
Seek veterinary advice immediately if your horse shows signs of foot pain or reluctance to move