After bringing her into the yards for a check, we quickly realised she had all the classic symptoms of laminitis also known as founder.

Laminitis is defined as being inflammation of the laminae. Anatomically, the horse (or pony) has two layers of laminae which are a tissue layer which is attached to the pedal bone inside in the horses hoof.  Laminitis can be experienced in two forms (acute or chronic).  In this case, Scooter had not suffered from laminitis before so this was an acute onset most likely caused by the ingestion of too much grain from the paddock of feed she was turned out in.  Other common causes of laminitis include grazing of lush pastures and excessive exercise or trauma to the hoof, generalized infection, corticosteroid treatment or colic.

Laminitis presents an increased risk in ponies compared with horses, and is also more likely to occur in overweight or unfit animals.

Symptoms/Clinical Signs:

Symptoms of laminitis include but are not limited to:

• Depressed demeanour
• Little or no appetite
• Weight shifting
• Resistance to walk
• Heat in the hoof particularly around the coronory band
• Pain and associated muscle trembling and sweating
• Horses affected by laminitis also tend to show an increase in their vital signs with elevated body temperature, respiration rate & heart rate.

Treatment:

It is imperative that treatment be commenced as soon as symptoms are evident.  Failure to do so can cause in the rotation of the pedal bone which can casue long term problems. Acute laminitis is considered to be an emergency, as failure to act quickly can result in pedal bone rotation in as little as three days. For this reason it is vitally important that a Veterinarian be consulted as soon as possible.

Traditionally cold ice packs have been used to help with the heat and inflammation in the hoof, but recent information suggests that in the early stages, a hot pack is actually much more beneficial.

Following an examination, the Veterinarian may prescribe medications such as non steroidal anti inflammatory medications to help with inflammation in the hoof. It is important to follow any care directions given by the vet very carefully to prevent a relapse from occuring.

Management:

Following an episode of laminitis it is important to manage the diet and exercise regime of the horse or pony to ensure they do not suffer a recurrence.  Avoiding high grain diets and lush pastures is important and managing the weight of the horse or pony is also a key consideration that needs to be addressed.

Luckily in the case of Scooter, she has made a very quick recovery from what seems to be a very mild case.  Accompanied by the fact that we got onto treating it quickly, she should make a full recovery, and in the mean time is going on a diet!