I will provide an answer about laminitis in horses. However, the search results do not contain information about whether stress alone can cause laminitis in horses. Therefore, I will define laminitis and explain its causes, but I cannot confirm if stress alone is a cause.
Laminitis is the inflammation and damage to the laminae within the hoof of an animal, often a horse or cow. This condition is frequently associated with obesity, poor diet, or diseases linked to inflammation and can be extremely painful, potentially fatal.
What is Laminitis?
Laminitis, commonly referred to as founder, involves inflammation and damage to the laminae. The laminae are the interlocking tissues that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone inside the hoof. When these structures become inflamed, the connection weakens, leading to severe pain and potential displacement of the coffin bone.
What Causes Laminitis?
While the search results mention obesity, poor diet, and diseases associated with inflammation as typical causes of laminitis, they do not specify whether stress alone can be a direct cause.
Would you like to explore other potential causes and risk factors for laminitis, or perhaps investigate preventative measures and treatments for this condition?