Laminitis, or founder, is the inflammation of the laminae within a horse’s hoof, often caused by obesity, rich diets, or inflammatory diseases. A horse’s posture can be a key indicator of this painful condition. Recognizing these postural changes early can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.
How Can a Horse’s Posture Indicate Laminitis?
Changes in a horse’s posture can be subtle but telling signs of laminitis. These postural changes stem from the horse trying to alleviate the pain in its hooves.
What Specific Postures Might Suggest Laminitis?
- Stance: A horse with laminitis often stands with its weight shifted back onto its hind legs to relieve pressure on the front hooves. This is often referred to as a "sawhorse stance" because the horse stands with its front feet stretched out in front and hind feet positioned further back than normal.
- Weight Shifting: Horses might shift weight frequently between their feet, trying to find a comfortable position.
- Reluctance to Move: Affected horses show reluctance to move or turn, and when they do, they move gingerly.
- Abnormal Gait: An abnormal gait, such as a stilted or choppy stride, may indicate pain in the hooves.
Are There Other Signs of Laminitis to Look For?
Besides posture, other signs of laminitis include:
- Increased Digital Pulse: A stronger-than-normal pulse can be felt in the digital arteries of the lower leg.
- Hoof Heat: The hooves, particularly the front ones, may feel warmer than usual.
- Pain on Hoof Testing: Applying pressure to the sole of the hoof with hoof testers elicits a pain response.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Laminitis?
If you observe these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing laminitis and preventing long-term damage.
People Also Ask
How is laminitis diagnosed?
Veterinarians diagnose laminitis through physical exams, assessing hoof temperature and digital pulses, using hoof testers, and taking radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate the internal structures of the hoof. These tools help determine the severity and stage of laminitis.
What are the primary causes of laminitis?
The primary causes of laminitis include metabolic disorders such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), also known as Cushing’s disease. Other causes include obesity, diets high in carbohydrates, certain medications, and infections that trigger systemic inflammation.
Can laminitis be prevented?
Yes, laminitis can often be prevented through careful management practices. These include maintaining a healthy weight, feeding a balanced diet low in sugars and starches, regular exercise, and routine hoof care.
Recognizing changes in posture, such as the sawhorse stance or reluctance to move, can be instrumental in early detection. If you notice these signs, prompt veterinary intervention can significantly improve the horse’s prognosis. Want to learn more about the treatments for laminitis?