LAMINITIS PREVENTION TECHNIQUES COMPARED

Over the past decade, the rapid chilling of the hooves has proven to be an effective way of halting the progression of laminitis in its early stages. But new research suggests that some cooling techniques are more effective than others in preventing the potentially devastating inflammation of the soft laminae of the hoof.

Previous studies have determined that, for optimal preventive results, the hoof wall surface temperatures must be maintained at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) for 48 to 72 hours. To learn how best to achieve this goal, Andrew van Eps, BVSc, PhD, of the University of Queensland in Australia worked with James Orsini, DVM, of the University of Pennsylvania to evaluate seven methods of cooling hooves. Four of the methods were “dry,” meaning no water or ice came in contact with the hoof or leg. These were:

• a “coronet sleeve,” which was a rectal exam sleeve filled with crushed ice and held over the coronary band, heel and hoof wall with adhesive tape.