About Laminitis
Laminitis, also known as "fever in the feet", is an inflammation in the inside lining of the foot, usually the front feet, and causes lameness. Although the exact cause of laminitis is unknown situations that commonly precede laminitis include obesity, excessive feeding, trauma due to fast or prolonged work on hard surfaces, the use of corticosteriods drugs, cancer of the pituarity gland and toxemia. Ponies are more susceptible to laminitis than horses and the condition often arises as a result of lush spring grass.
Symptoms Of Laminitis
Symptoms of laminitis typically include heat in the feet, especially around the front accompanied by short steps and an unwillingness to put weight on the feet. In severe cases the pony may be reluctant to move at all. Other symptoms can include a raised temperature, increased pulse rate and increased respiration rate. Rings may also form around the wall of the hoof and in extreme cases the coffin bone within the hoof wall may penetrate the sole of the foot.
Treatment Of Laminitis
Any pony suspected of suffering from laminitis should be placed in a stable with a deep bed (unless in extreme discomfort and unwilling or unable to be moved), feed should be withheld and veterinary advice should be sought immediately.
Laminitis weakens or destroys the laminae between the coffin bone and the hoof wall and although there is no cure, treatment can ease the condition. X-rays of the feet, particularly as the laminitis progresses, allows the movement of the coffin bone to be monitored. Treatment may involve removing the shoes, cutting down the feet, hose-piping the feet, reduction of feed, limiting grazing, and exercising on grass to encourage blood circulation within the feet. Anti-histamine or cortisone drugs may also be administered to provide relief. In very severe cases euthanasia may need to be considered.
Prevention Of Laminitis
Although not all cases are preventable, not allowing ponies to become overweight, restriction of lush grass, regular foot care will all reduce the risk of laminitis.
The Laminitis Trust
The Laminitis Trust is a registered charity whose aim is to raise money for laminitis research and the Laminitis Trust web site provides helpful information to those with horses or ponies suffering from laminitis.
