Laminitis in horses is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition affecting the hooves. It causes inflammation and damage to the laminae, leading to severe pain and, in advanced cases, permanent structural damage. Early recognition and prompt treatment are critical to improving outcomes and preventing long-term complications.
What is laminitis?
Laminitis is one of the most serious conditions affecting horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. The disease damages the sensitive laminae inside the hoof, weakening the bond between the hoof wall and the pedal bone. In severe cases, this can lead to permanent damage and may prove fatal.
Symptoms of laminitis
Horse owners may first notice their horse is not quite right. A horse may appear subdued, quieter than usual or reluctant to move, with subtle changes in behaviour or performance. As the condition progresses, signs become more obvious and can escalate quickly. Common symptoms include:
- Reluctance to walk or turn
- Shifting weight between feet
- Strong or bounding digital pulse
- Heat in the hooves
- Short, pottery gait
- Leaning back onto the hind legs to relieve pressure on the front feet
Is laminitis an emergency?
Laminitis is a veterinary emergency and requires immediate attention. Early intervention can prevent irreversible damage to the hoof and significantly improve the chances of recovery. If laminitis is suspected, a vet should be contacted without delay.
What causes laminitis in horses?
Research suggests Laminitis can develop for a number of reasons and often involves multiple contributing factors. Common causes include:
- Obesity
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
- Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID)
- Grazing lush pasture high in sugar
- Excessive grain intake
- Severe illness or infection
- Concussion from working on hard ground
- Supporting limb overload following injury
In the UK, many cases are linked to overweight horses and ponies grazing high-sugar grass, particularly during spring and autumn when pasture sugar levels are highest. Poor gut health can also be a contributing factor to the disease, with other accompanying symptoms.
Understanding what happens inside the hoof
To understand laminitis, it helps to know what happens inside the hoof. The laminae are specialised tissues that suspend the pedal bone within the hoof capsule, forming an interlocking structure that supports the horse’s weight. When laminitis occurs, inflammation damages these tissues and weakens the connection between the hoof wall and the pedal bone. If the condition progresses, the pedal bone may rotate or sink within the hoof capsule. In severe cases, the tip of the bone can penetrate the sole of the hoof, which is often fatal.
Diagnosis and treatment
Veterinary examination is essential when laminitis is suspected. Radiographs (X-rays) are often used to determine whether the pedal bone has rotated or sunk within the hoof capsule and to guide treatment decisions. Treatment typically involves strict box rest, deep supportive bedding, anti-inflammatory pain relief and careful dietary management.
In early cases, cryotherapy, such as cooling the feet with ice, can help reduce damage to the laminae. Addressing the underlying cause is critical, particularly in horses with metabolic conditions such as EMS or Cushing’s Disease. Specialist farriery also plays an important role in stabilising the hoof and supporting recovery.
Prevention and long-term management
Horses that have suffered laminitis require careful ongoing management. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important preventative measures. Grazing should be carefully managed, particularly during high-risk periods when grass sugar levels are elevated. Horses with metabolic conditions require close veterinary supervision.
Regular farriery, controlled feeding and appropriate exercise can all help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Frequently asked questions about laminitis
Can laminitis be cured in horses?
Laminitis can sometimes be resolved if treated early, but severe cases may result in permanent hoof damage.
Can grass cause laminitis in horses?
Yes, grass high in sugar is one of the most common triggers, particularly during spring and autumn.
How quickly can laminitis develop?
Laminitis can develop rapidly, sometimes within hours after a trigger such as carbohydrate overload.
What horses are most at risk of laminitis?
Overweight horses, ponies and those with Equine Metabolic Syndrome or Cushing’s Disease are at significantly higher risk.