Laminitis

Question 1

Define laminitis

Answer 1

inflammation of the sensitive laminae layer of the equine or ruminant hoof

Question 2

Why are laminae important?

Answer 2

help to provide a healthy blood supply to the structures of the hoof and serve to help hold the bone of phalanx III (coffin bone) in place

Question 3

How does inflammation of the lamina occur?

Answer 3

result of decreased blood flow (ischemia) to the laminae which results in death of tissue –> this initiates inflammatory pathways –> resulting in vasodilation and increased vascular permeability –> edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells into laminae

Question 4

What 2 breeds are at greater risk for laminitis?

Answer 4

ponies

draft horse breeds

Question 5

List the 3 risk factors for Ischemia development to the hoof?

Answer 5

Dietary factors
Severe illness
Excessive or abnormal weight bearing on a hoof

Question 6

What dietary factors may increase risk for laminitis? Why?

Answer 6

Risk Factors

• high energy diets (example: mostly grain)
• sudden switch to a high energy diet
• lush pasture or pasture with high clover amounts

Reason for Ischemia
-disturbance in normal intestinal bacteria population allows pathogenic bacteria to proliferate and produce endotoxins that enter circulatory system and damage vasculature

Question 7

What are some severe illnesses associated with laminitis?

Answer 7

systemic inflammatory rxns that impact vasculature (Ex: proximal enteritis, colitis, intestinal obstruction or strangulation, pleuropneumonia, metritis, septicemia)

Question 8

What type of weight bearing issues can result in laminitis?

Answer 8

• abnormalities in normal 65% front weight bearing may predispose horse to laminitis development in hoof(ves) bearing the excessive/abnormal weight
• overweight
• inappropriately shod
• poor hoof care

Question 9

What surfaces increase risk for developing laminitis?

Answer 9

surfaces that are too hard or have inappropriate bedding (ie. Black walnut shavings)