Managing Acute Laminitis

Rocked back laminitic horse stance and unable to move.

Managing acute laminitis.

A horse with acute laminitis is generally exceedingly painful and it s up to the veterinarian and. Managing acute and chronic laminitis. Best practices for managing laminitis diagnosis isn t difficult but laminitis is a frustrating condition to treat. Symptoms will change as laminitis progresses from acute to chronic.

When a horse develops equine metabolic syndrome it is similar to type 2. In serious cases of laminitis acute or chronic where the prognosis is poor euthanasia is often recommended to prevent further suffering. Decreasing the risk of laminitis. In acute laminitis icing the feet is often advocated.

If the weight of the horse overcomes the cohesion between the two sets of interdigitating laminae in the front dorsal part of the hoof the case turns from laminitis to acute founder. However founder usually refers to a chronic long term condition associated with rotation of the coffin bone whereas acute laminitis refers to symptoms associated with a sudden initial attack including pain and inflammation of the laminae. Every horse is different and will show different symptoms and different degrees of pain recognise and investigate any of these signs too many horses go undiagnosed because the early signs of laminitis are not picked up the earlier you recognise the symptoms remove the. Of course you should also call your vet for medical therapy and advice and testing for possible causes.

However for the horse with endocrine related laminitis diet becomes an important part of managing the disease. During an acute episode of laminitis if you notice your horse has laminitis the main aims are going to be managing and reducing your horse s pain as soon as possible. The terms laminitis and founder are used interchangeably. Tips for managing acute laminitis.

The management of equine acute laminitis colin f mitchell lee ann fugler susan c eades veterinary clinical sciences school of veterinary medicine louisiana state university baton rouge la usa abstract. Options for pain management and alternative treatment options may be suggested by your vet. Laminitis can affect one or all feet but it is most often seen in the front feet simultaneously.