1. Laminitis Dr. Charlotte Kin
Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services, PC.
Dave & MaryAnn Crabtree Crabtree Farrier Services

2. Dr. Charlotte Kin: Credentials
USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist
USDF “L” Judges Program Graduate
USPC “HA” Graduate
USPC National Visiting Instructor
Former Member of NCAA National Champion OSU Equestrian Team

3. Dr. Charlotte Kin: Credentials
Graduated from OSU College of Vet Med
Internship: Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Lexington, KY
Residency in Equine Practice: Oakridge Equine Hospital Edmond, OK
Owner of Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services

4. Dr. Charlotte Kin: Spare Time

5. What is LAMINITIS? Also referred to as FOUNDER
Laminitis=acute inflammation
Founder=chronic laminitis

6. What is LAMINITIS?
Inflammation that leads to disruption of the blood-flow to the sensitive & insensitive lamina
Disruption of the attachment mechanism between the sensitive & insensitive lamina
Lamina attach the coffin bone to the hoof capsule.

7. Laminitis: Rotation
In the normal position the coffin bone sits parallel to the hoof capsule
Rotation occurs when the coffin bone (P3) rotates away from the hoof capsule

8. Laminitis: Rotation

9. Laminitis: Rotation
In severe cases the bone and hoof wall separate and the coffin bone may be displaced downward.

10. Laminitis: Sinking
In the most severe cases the coffin bone can sink and penetrate the bottom of the sole.
This can lead to sloughing of the hoof capsule.

11. What are the signs of LAMINITIS?
Lameness especially when turning in circles
Shifting weight back and forth.
Pain in the toe region when hoof testers are applied.

12. What are the signs of LAMINITIS?
Saw-horse stance
“walking on eggshells”
Increased digital pulse
Heat in the feet

13. What are the signs of LAMINITIS?
Reluctant or unable to rise
Hemorrhage visible on sole
Separation and abscess formation

14. What are the signs of LAMINITIS?
CHRONIC FOUNDER
Chronic lameness
Rings in hoof capsule
Aladdin's shoe
Chronic abscesses

15. What are the signs of LAMINITIS?
CHRONIC FOUNDER
“seedy toe”-widened white line
Dropped soles or flat feet
Dished hooves

16. What are the causes of LAMINITIS?
“Grass Founder”
“Grain Overload”
Abrupt changes in diet

17. What are the causes of LAMINITIS?
Endotoxemia
High fever or illness
Severe colic or diarrhea (colitis)

18. What are the causes of LAMINITIS?
Retained placenta
“Road founder”
Injury to another limb causing excessive weight bearing

19. What are the causes of LAMINITIS?
Prolonged use of steroids (not that kind of steroids)
Primary foot disease
Black walnut shavings

20. What are the causes of LAMINITIS?
Previous laminitis
Endocrine diseases-CUSHINGS DISEASE.

21. What is the treatment for LAMINITIS?
GRAIN OVERLOAD
CALL VET IMMEDIATELY
NG tube-pump stomach & administer charcoal or oil
Anti-inflammatories
Anti-endotoxic drugs
Vasodilators

22. What is the treatment for LAMINITIS?
Identify & treat primary problem
The sooner the better!
Anti-inflammatories
IV fluids +/- DMSO

23. What is the treatment for LAMINITIS?
Antibiotics
Vasodilators-acepromazine, isoxiprine
Sand or deep bedding
Pull shoes
Radiographs

24. What is the treatment for LAMINITIS?
Open and drain abscesses
Frog support
Coronary grooving
Dietary restrictions

25. What is the treatment for LAMINITIS?
Ice legs
COOPERATION BETWEEN VET AND FARRIER!!!!
LONG TERM TREATMENTS……

26. What is the long term prognosis & maintaince for LAMINITIS?
Some horses suffer an acute episode and go on to live normal lives.
Most require maintaince treatments
Some horses are so severe that they are euthanized for humane reasons

27. What is the long term prognosis & maintaince for LAMINITIS?
Radiographs before shoeing and resetting shoes.
Important to have good working relationship with vet and farrier.
Dietary restrictions: little or no grass, low carb high fat grain.

28. What is the long term prognosis & maintaince for LAMINITIS?
Good health maintaince program to prevent other diseases that may induce laminitis.
Anti-inflammatory medications-BUTE
Hoof growth supplement

29. How do I prevent LAMINITIS?
Keep grain locked up!!
Gradually introduce horses to green pasture.
Good hoof care
Good preventative health care program
If you suspect laminitis call you vet IMMEDIATELY!

30. Any Questions???