Emergency

Laminitis

Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive laminae inside the hoof. Severe cases lead to founder, where the coffin bone rotates or sinks. It is acutely painful and can be career-ending or fatal if not addressed immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

Reluctance to walk, especially on hard ground

Classic 'sawhorse' stance — front legs stretched forward, weight on heels

Strong digital pulse at the fetlock

Heat in the hoof wall

Shifting weight from foot to foot

Lying down more than usual

Sensitivity to hoof testers across the toe

Common causes

  • Grain overload (broken into the feed room)
  • Lush spring or autumn pasture (high in fructans)
  • Equine Metabolic Syndrome or PPID (Cushing's)
  • Severe systemic illness (retained placenta, colitis)
  • Excessive concussion on hard surfaces (road founder)
  • Supporting-limb laminitis from non-weight-bearing on the opposite leg
  • Black walnut shavings exposure

Prevention

  • Restrict grazing on lush pasture — use a grazing muzzle or dry lot
  • Maintain healthy body condition (BCS 4–6 of 9)
  • Test and manage any horse with EMS or PPID
  • Keep feed rooms locked
  • Schedule farrier visits every 4–6 weeks
  • Avoid prolonged work on hard surfaces

What to do

  1. 1

    Call the vet immediately. Time is critical.

  2. 2

    Move the horse to deep, soft bedding (sand or shavings, 8–12 inches deep).

  3. 3

    Do NOT force the horse to walk.

  4. 4

    Apply ice boots to both front feet (or all four) for the first 48 hours if directed.

  5. 5

    Remove all grain and lush pasture; offer only soaked grass hay.

  6. 6

    Follow farrier and vet instructions for therapeutic shoeing or boots.

⚠ Emergency · call your vet now

Do not wait.

Immediately. Any suspected laminitis is an emergency. Within hours of onset, ice therapy and supportive shoeing can dramatically improve the outcome. Waiting even a day may mean the difference between full recovery and chronic founder.

Related topics

High severity
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
→
High severity
Navicular Syndrome
→
Moderate
Hoof Abscess
→

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Educational content only. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.