Take the horse’s temperature LAMINITIS

► Definition: Laminitis is inflammation of the thin tissues (sensitive laminae) that anchor the coffin bone to the inside of the hoof wall. If enough fibers fail, the laminae lose their grip and the coffin bone drops away from the hoof wall and rotates or sinks downward, a condition called founder.

► Causes: Laminitis can be triggered by a variety of factors, including mechanical stress, such as galloping down a paved road; systemic illness or infec-tion, particularly high fevers or a retained placenta in a mare; dramatic carbohydrate overload, such as a grain binge; metabolic disturbance from excessive grain or lush pasture in a predisposed horse; endocrine disorders like pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing’s disease).

► Signs: lameness, increased digital pulse, heat in the feet, reluctance to move, hesitant gait, odd stance with front feet placed forward to reduce pressure on the toes

► Treatment: icing during the initial phase; administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as phenylbutazone or Banamine; antibiotics to ward off secondary infection; intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration if needed. Supportive foot care is essential, requiring a team effort with your veterinarian and farrier.