Equine laminitis is one of the most serious of problems you are likely to encounter.
As a horse or pony owner you should know what is normal behaviour for your horse or pony.
Is your horse or pony displaying any abnormal behaviour or lameness?.
Laminitis is a very common cause of unsoundness, seen more in ponies.
What are the symptoms ?
Does the horse or pony have difficulty walking and marked difficulty when turning?.
Does the gait look stiff?.
Does the animal Rock back onto the heels in order to spare the toe region?.
Check for strong “bounding” pulses to the feet indicating increased blood flow and inflammation of the area.
Is he reluctant to pick up his feet.
Another test is the use of hoof testers on the sole of the hoof.
This usually indicates sensitivity in front of the frog in the region of the tip of the pedal bone.
Tapping of the sole or shoe can also demonstrate increased sensitivity.
It is more commonly seen in the front feet.
The onset of laminitis is usually sudden, and little or no warning is given of its oncoming.
The pony will stand with its weight off the painful toe region.
There will be heat in the hoof wall and bounding pulses can be felt at the back of the fetlocks and extreme lameness.
It can also affect the hind feet as well, and in this instance it would be difficult for the pony to move.
It will stand fixed to the spot or possibly fall to the ground.
Do not try to move the horse, contact your vet.
You should contact your vet when you spot the first signs of laminitis.
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Equine laminitis - 2 > > Home
Laminitus- 1
Laminitus- 3
Laminitus- 4
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What equipment do i need for a horse first aid kit?
When do i call a vet?
Poultice information!
Worming- 1
Worming- 2
Worming- 3
Horse temperature information
Strangles- 1
Strangles- 2
Equine veterinary products can also be purchased on line.
Flies and parasite resistance in horses
