Current Therapy for Laminitis

by Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS

Published in the November 1999 Issue of Anvil Magazine

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CURRENT THERAPY FOR EQUINE LAMINITIS
by Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS
Department of Clinical and Population Sciences
University of Minnesota

Laminitis is a complex systemic disease that results in pathology of the laminar area of the foot. During the developmental stages, two pathological conditions occur: vascular shunting occurs at the level of the secondary laminae, and capillary thrombosis occurs in the secondary laminae. This leads to ischemia of the laminar region and causes the signs of acute laminitis. Treatment during the developmental stages is based on presumed exposure to predisposing causes of laminitis because there are no clinical signs. Therapy is based primarily on restoration of circulation. During the acute stages or from the first clinical signs until resolution of pain, the main goal or therapy is to prevent third phalanx displacement. The chronic stages of laminitis are characterized by pain as a result of third phalanx displacement. Therapy during this stage tries to restore third phalanx and hoof capsule alignment, as well as restore normal biomechanics to the foot.

Introduction

Laminitis causes severe lameness and, if untreated or non-responsive to treatment, can cause permanent loss of function for the horse or even necessitate destruction. (1,2) Founder is a horseman’s term for a laminitis. The term arises from horsemen describing the coffin bone “sinking” or the hoof collapsing. Laminitis is defined as.....

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