Laminitis

The stance is unmistakable: forelimbs positioned oddly in front of the chest and hind limbs planted under the abdomen in a desperate attempt to support the heft of the horse. This classical “sawhorse” posture and reluctance to move is undeniably indicative of the insidious syndrome known as laminitis.

The Anatomy of Laminitis

Nestled between the coffin bone and the hoof wall are a series of interlocking tissues called laminae. Sensitive laminae are produced by the corium or outer layer of the coffin bone and mesh steadfastly with insensitive laminae, which line the hoof wall, to create a delicate, accordion-like structure that supports the coffin bone. One of the most critical functions of the laminae, both the sensitive and insensitive, is to anchor the coffin bone against the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon, one of the largest tendons in the forelimb. When this mainstay of support is jeopardized, no matter how slightly, laminitis may result.

How It Happens, In a Nutshell

Laminitis occurs when the cells of the laminae do not receive sufficient nutrients from the blood supply or are damaged.

This sets the stage for inflammation and eventual cell death. Due to a mechanism not well understood by researchers, blood is actually shunted away from the foot, which accounts for the oft-found bounding pulse of laminitic horses. As the laminae become damaged, they weaken and are unable to keep the coffin bone in place, and in severe cases, the tip of the coffin bone shifts toward the sole of the hoof or the coffin bone sinks toward the sole. Complete destruction of laminae can occur within hours of the initiating insult. Once crumbling of foot architecture commences, the horse begins to experience pain that may in time be excruciating and eventually career-ending. Laminitis most often affects both front feet simultaneously. When only one forefoot is affected, it is usually caused by excessive load-bearing due to injury of the opposite leg. Much less frequent is the occurrence of laminitis in the hind feet without involvement of the front feet.

Gorging on starch-rich grains. Standing in black walnut bedding. Grazing unlimited amounts of lush pasture. These factors and several others are well-known causes of laminitis. Two relatively new causes of laminitis that have come to the forefront of recent research are ingestion of fructans and equine metabolic syndrome.

The Fructan Factor

Well-tended pasture can fulfill the nutritional requirements of many horses and is therefore often the foundation of sound feeding programs. Modern equine management often includes use of improved pastures, or those planted with high yield species of grasses that were initially developed to improve production in cattle and sheep. The reality is that many horses do quite well on fair- to moderate-quality pasture, and these highly improved pastures, while attractive to behold, often lead to undesirable weight gain and health complications for some horses. These temperate grasses frequently contain large amounts of water-soluble carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. In addition, these plants are rich in fructans, which are simple chains of fructose molecules.

Unlike simple sugars, fructans cannot be digested in the small intestine of the horse, as horses lack the necessary enzyme. They can, however, be utilized by certain microbial species in the hindgut, but the rapid fermentation that results occurs at the expense of the entire intestinal ecosystem. Researchers theorize that when large quantities of fructan gain entrance into the hindgut, a rapid change occurs in the microorganism population, including the death of vast numbers of bacteria due to acute hindgut acidosis. As these bacteria die, they release endotoxin, which passes easily though the wall of the intestine and enter the bloodstream. Endotixin triggers an inflammatory response that can result in severe illness and laminitis. This is the same mechanism that triggers laminitis following the overconsumption of grain.

Researchers in Wales have discovered that time of grazing was critical in determining fructan ingestion. They concluded that the fructan content of grasses changes dramatically, not only day to day but also within a single day as horses grazing late afternoon and into the evening consumed approximately one-fourth the amount of fructan as their counterparts that grazed from morning to midafternoon. Fructan concentration is affected by exposure to sunlight, temperature, water availability, grass species, and a host of other lesser factors.

Until more conclusive management techniques are forwarded from researchers, there are ways to keep laminitis-prone horses out of harm's way. These horses should only be allowed to graze pastures with grass species known to produce small quantities of fructan. Regulating time of grazing is another management strategy. By avoiding pasture exposure during the midday hours, horses are unlikely to consume sufficient fructan to cause laminitis.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity-associated laminitis is frequently observed in adult horses that do not receive consistent work. Those affected with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) typically have distinctive body fat distribution, with large pockets of fat deposited on the crest of the neck and the rump. Male horses also tend to accumulate fat in their sheaths. Horses prone to obesity associated laminitis are often difficult to manage nutritionally, as reducing calorie intake does little to lower the body condition of these horses. This syndrome may be particularly frustrating on breeding farms. Affected broodmares may experience irregular estrous cycles, which in turn lowers reproductive efficiency.

Once Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) has been ruled out as a possible cause of the laminitis, veterinarians should look to EMS. Studies undertaken by researchers at the University of Missouri suggest that hyperproduction of cortisol by peripheral tissues could be a factor in the clinical appearance of obesity-associated laminitis.

While obesity-associated laminitis is not well understood among researchers and veterinarians, affected horses may go on to lead otherwise healthy lives if treatment is swift and diligent. Recommended treatments centre on corrective trimming and shoeing, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain, and strict diet. Forced exercise can be imposed once all laminitis-related pain has abated.

Which solution is right for your horse?

Bio-Bloom® HF Premium hoof formula pellet for hoof health and coat condition. Bio-Bloom HF is a dual-action supplement designed to improve skin and coat condition, and promote healthy hoof growth from the inside out. It is the ideal hoof and coat conditioner for horses that need to be presented at their best for show, sale, or parade.

EO-3™ Concentrated direct source of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids. EO-3 is a rich source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA in a palatable liquid form. EO-3 can be fed to all classes of horses including foals, breeding stock, and performance horses to improve the critical ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet.

EquiShure® Time-released hindgut balancer. EquiShure promotes normal digestive function by aiding in the maintenance of an optimal hindgut environment and is designed for horses suspected of suffering from or that are at risk of developing hindgut acidosis.

Gold Pellet® The ultimate vitamin, mineral and amino acid supplement for horses. Gold Pellet has been scientifically formulated to contain essential nutrient levels to meet requirements for work or growth, and is designed to complement a traditional diet of grains and roughage.

Nutrequin Se® Essential everyday nutrients for all horses. Nutrequin Se is an exceptional value-for-money vitamin, mineral, essential amino acid, and antioxidant formula, specifically designed to supplement horses on home-mixed diets or those consuming forage-only diets.

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