Laminitis alert
Correct management can reduce the chances of your horse developing this dangerous condition, as vet Selina Squarotti explains
Photos: Jon Stroud, Rolf Dannenberg/shutterstock.com. With thanks to XL Vets Equine partner Paragon Veterinary Group for their help with this feature, paragonvet.comxlvets.co.uk
Our expert
Selina Squarotti works for Paragon veterinary group and is based in Cumbria. She is interested in all aspects of equine medicine, including the causes of lameness and its treatment.
If you have a horse or pony susceptible to laminitis, the arrival of spring grass is a mixed blessing. However, there are several causes of this agonisingly painful foot condition, and any horse can be at risk of developing it under certain circumstances.
Recognising and managing the risk of your horse developing laminitis goes a long way to controlling any potential episode and there’s plenty you can do to support your horse if he’s unfortunate enough to suffer from one. The first thing, of course, is to call the vet.
TOP TIP
Laminitis is an emergency. If you think your horse has the condition, call your vet immediately.
What is laminitis?
Laminitis is a serious, painful condition of the equine foot. It causes significant changes in the hoof anatomy and can be fatal. The pedal bone is suspended within the hoof capsule and is attached to laminae on the inner surface of the hoof, which hold it parallel to the wall.