🐴 Signs of Laminitis That Require a Vet’s Attention

Laminitis is a serious condition affecting horses‘ hooves and can lead to severe pain and long-term damage. Early detection and prompt veterinary care are crucial. Here are the signs of laminitis that indicate your horse needs immediate veterinary attention.

🐎 Behavioral Changes

🛌 Reluctance to Move

If your horse is hesitant to move, lies down more often, or shows difficulty getting up, it could be experiencing significant pain from laminitis.

😖 Unusual Posture

Look for the characteristic laminitis stance, where the horse shifts its weight to the hind legs to relieve pressure on the front hooves. This stance often involves the horse standing with its front legs stretched out in front.

🔍 Physical Symptoms

🦶 Heat in Hooves

Feel your horse’s hooves for unusual warmth. Excessive heat can indicate inflammation associated with laminitis.

💥 Strong Digital Pulse

A strong or bounding digital pulse in the affected hooves is a key indicator of laminitis. Check the pulse just above the hoof in the pastern area.

🩸 Painful Hooves

Horses with laminitis often react painfully when pressure is applied to the hoof with hoof testers or when walking on hard surfaces.

🍽️ Changes in Appetite and Behavior

😔 Loss of Appetite

A sudden decrease in appetite or water intake can be a sign of discomfort or distress caused by laminitis.

🧘 Restlessness

Restless behavior, such as shifting weight frequently, pawing, or showing signs of agitation, can indicate hoof pain.

🏋️ Movement and Gait Changes

🐾 Lameness

Lameness is a primary sign of laminitis. This can range from mild lameness to severe, where the horse can barely walk. It often affects both front hooves but can also affect all four.

🚶 Stiff or Shuffling Gait

A horse with laminitis may exhibit a stiff or shuffling gait, trying to minimize pressure on the painful hooves.

🔎 Hoof Changes

🌡️ Growth Rings

Observe the hoof wall for uneven growth rings, which can be indicative of chronic laminitis episodes.

📏 Divergent Hoof Wall

In chronic cases, the hoof wall may show a flared or divergent appearance due to abnormal growth patterns.

🩺 Immediate Veterinary Attention

🚑 Acute Onset

Laminitis can develop rapidly. If you notice sudden lameness or other acute signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

🛡️ Preventive Measures

If your horse has risk factors such as obesity, recent overfeeding, or is recovering from another illness, monitor closely for any signs of laminitis and consult your vet at the first indication.

🌟 Conclusion

Recognizing the early signs of laminitis and seeking prompt veterinary care can make a significant difference in your horse’s prognosis. By staying vigilant and responding quickly, you can help prevent severe complications and promote a faster recovery.