Laminitis in Horses - Essential Vet Guide for Owners

Laminitis in horses is a painful hoof condition that can become life-threatening if untreated. Understanding its causes, spotting the symptoms early, and knowing how to treat and prevent it can make all the difference for your horse’s health.

What is Laminitis

Laminitis is the inflammation and weakening of the sensitive laminae inside the hoof. These tiny structures secure the pedal (coffin) bone to the hoof wall and support the horse’s weight.

When the laminae become damaged, they lose their ability to hold the pedal bone in place, leading to instability, intense pain, and in severe cases, long-term structural changes to the hoof.

Horses that experience laminitis once are far more prone to future episodes, which makes early management and prevention absolutely vital.

What Causes Laminitis?

Laminitis has several possible triggers, ranging from dietary to mechanical and hormonal.

Common causes include:

1. Overfeeding and spring grass – High sugar levels in lush grass can overload the gut, releasing toxins that affect blood flow to the laminae.

2. Endocrine diseases – Conditions such as Cushing’s Disease (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) cause insulin imbalances strongly linked to laminitis.

3. Systemic inflammation – Illnesses such as colic, retained placenta, or sepsis can lead to laminitis.

4. Mechanical overload – Excess weight-bearing on one leg due to injury in another.

5. Concussion – From too much work on the hard ground.

6. Obesity – Excess weight both stresses the feet and contributes to insulin resistance.

Signs of Laminitis in Horses

Recognising laminitis early is crucial.

Signs may appear suddenly and range from mild to severe:

• Lameness (often worse in the forelimbs)

• Leaning back onto the heels to take the weight off the painful toe area

• Heat in the hooves

• Increased digital pulse

• Reluctance to move, or lying down frequently

• Shifting weight between feet

Preventing Laminitis in Horses

Since laminitis is often recurrent, prevention is key. Strategies include:

• Weight management – Keep your horse at a healthy body condition. Consider using a Lite, Low-Calorie or Laminitis-Suitable balancer for essential vitamins and minerals without excess calories.

• Restricted grazing – Control grass intake, especially during high-risk periods (spring and autumn). Use strip grazing, electric fencing, or grazing muzzles to help limit sugar consumption from grass.

• Safe diet – Feed predominantly hay (soaked if necessary). Use small-holed haynets or greedy feeders to slow intake and extend eating time. Avoid cereal mixes and high-starch feeds.

• Targeted supplementation - Provide appropriate hoof and laminitis-support supplements to help maintain hoof health.

• Exercise – Regular, appropriate exercise helps prevent obesity and improves insulin sensitivity.

• Regular farriery – Keep hooves well-trimmed and balanced with advice from a registered professional. In some cases, supportive hoof boots can provide additional comfort and protection during rehabilitation or on hard ground.

• Monitor endocrine health – Test and manage underlying conditions like PPID (Cushing's disease) or EMS where necessary, as these significantly increase laminitis risk.

Treating Laminitis

Laminitis should always be treated as an emergency. If you suspect your horse does have laminitis:

• Call your vet immediately.

• Remove the horse from pasture and place it in a stable with deep bedding.

• Feed soaked hay and provide fresh water.

Tip: Soak hay for 30-60 minutes to help reduce sugar content.

Diagnosis and treatment options may include:

• Hoof x-rays to check pedal bone rotation or sinking

• Blood tests may be performed in cases where underlying endocrine disease is suspected.

• Pain relief & anti-inflammatory medications

• Corrective farriery to support the hoof and redistribute weight

• Cryotherapy (cold therapy for the hooves in early cases)

• Short term frog supports designed to follow the contours of your horse's frogs and relieve laminar strain

Protect Your Horse’s Hooves

Laminitis is a devastating condition, but with prompt treatment and careful prevention, many horses go on to live comfortable lives. Shop Horse Hoof and Laminitis Supplements designed to support horses at risk of laminitis.

FAQs About Horse Laminitis

Can horses get laminitis from hay?

Yes, particularly if hay is high in sugars. Soaking hay can reduce its carbohydrate content, making it safer for laminitis-prone horses.

Can horses get laminitis in winter?

Yes. While spring grass is a common cause, frosty grass in winter can also trigger laminitis, especially in horses with underlying conditions like EMS.

Are carrots good for horses with laminitis?

Carrots are predominantly water but should still be fed in moderation to lamintic horses/ponies as they do contain some sugar.

Can a horse get laminitis in one foot?

Yes. While usually affecting multiple feet, laminitis can develop in one foot, often due to injury and overloading of the opposite limb.

Can a horse fully recover from laminitis?

Many horses recover with early treatment and careful management, but some are left with long-term hoof changes.

Can a horse die from laminitis?

Sadly, yes. Severe cases that progress to founder can be fatal or require euthanasia to prevent suffering.

Can a horse with laminitis be ridden?

Not during an active laminitic episode. After recovery, some horses can return to ridden work depending on severity and veterinary advice.

How long does laminitis last in horses?

Acute laminitis can resolve in weeks with treatment, but chronic laminitis may persist for months or even become a lifelong condition.

Written by: Dr. Sophie Meers BVSc MRCVS