Recognizing Laminitis ie. founder in horses

Recognizing Laminitis (commonly called founder)



Laminitis is an acute and painful inflammation or edema in the laminae of the hoof. It can occur in all four feet; most commonly affects only the front feet, and may occasionally be seen in the hind feet. Founder usually refers to the resultant damage caused by one or multiple acute attacks of laminitis.



Laminitis is due to inflammatory changes in the laminae of the hoofs just below the hoof wall. This is caused by a congestion of blood within capillary vessels that supply the hoof. During an attack of laminitis, the blood flow to feet is altered. Capillary vessels below the coronet are bypassed and blood accumulates, resulting in damage to the sensitive laminae. In severe cases, permanent damage can result to the laminae and the attachment of the coffin bone to the hoof wall can break down. When this happens, the pedal bone rotates, pressing down on the sole which results in the sole losing its concave shape. As a result, the bone may perforate the sole and be exposed to air.



General symptoms that may be observed during a laminitis attack can include heavy breathing, the eyes may be glazed in appearance due to pain, and there is usually heat in all four hooves, but particularly in the fore feet. A horse suffering from a laminitis attack may be reluctant to move, or may lie down, or walk on their heels to avoid putting pressure on the soles of their feet.



A "founder stance" may be taken if the front two feet are affected, where the horse will stand with its hind legs positioned well under the body to bear as much weight as possible. The front legs will be positioned ahead of the body with as little weight as possible being supported by the heel. The horse will walk reluctantly and will turn by leaning back on the hindquarters and pivoting on the hind legs.



If all four feet are affected, the horse will usually lie down and exhibit extreme reluctance to get back to a standing position. When forced to stand, all four feet will be pulled toward each other under the body.



In either situation the horse’s goal is to relieve the weight each affected foot is bearing. When forced to walk the stride is short and slow with each hoof returning to the ground as quickly as possible once lifted.



In acute cases, the horse may be off its food and exhibit an elevated body temperature. The horse will be in a stance to remove pressure from the affected feet, there will be heat in the feet, and there will be a strong pulse in the digital artery that can be felt at the fetlock. It may be impossible to pick up the hoof, and if it can be done the slightest pressure on the sole of the foot is resented. In extreme acute cases, the horse may go into shock and possibly even die in 24-48 hours.



Writer: Angela Crawford is a writer for the popular Horse Classifieds website, PerfectSteed.com