Basics of Equine Laminitis- A Review

Raghuvir Bhatt*1 , Dipak Suthar2 , Shivarsinh Jhala3 ,Naresh Kelawala

1.2.3.4Veterinary College, NAU, Navsari. India.

*Corresponding Author:drhbhatt@yahoo.com

Abstract :

Laminitis is a major disease of horses because of the associated pain and debilitating nature that make it a life-threatening condition. A complete understanding of laminitis and its complex pathophysiologic processes remains elusive despite substantial efforts and recent advances by many scientists over the last few decades. For this reason, preventative and therapeutic management strategies remain largely empirical and anecdotal with little information from evidence-based medicine. Laminitis may occur as a consequence of three broad categories of disorders: systemic disease, hormonal disturbances, or trauma. In the normal horse or pony the distal phalanx (coffin or pedal bone) is attached to the inside of the hoof by a tough, but flexible, suspensory apparatus. The surface of the inner hoof wall is folded into leaf-like lamellae to increase the surface area of this suspensory apparatus. A horse has laminitis when these lamellae suddenly fail. Without the distal phalanx properly attached to the inside of the hoof, the weight of the horse and the forces of locomotion drive the bone down into the hoof capsule. Important arteries and veins are sheared and crushed and the corium of the coronet and sole is damaged. There is unrelenting pain in the feet and a characteristic lameness. The horse?s foot is, without doubt, a miracle of bioengineering).