Laminitis Dr Charlotte Kin Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services

Laminitis Dr. Charlotte Kin Exclusively Equine Veterinary Services, PC. Dave & Mary. Ann Crabtree Farrier Services

Dr. Charlotte Kin: Credentials n n n 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

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

Dr. Charlotte Kin: Spare Time

What is LAMINITIS? ØAlso referred to as FOUNDER ØLaminitis=acute inflammation ØFounder=chronic laminitis

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

Laminitis: Rotation n In the normal position the coffin bone sits parallel to the hoof capsule n Rotation occurs when the coffin bone (P 3) rotates away from the hoof capsule

Laminitis: Rotation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any Questions? ? ?