Laminitis Flashcards
Trigger factors for laminitis
Endotoxaemia Carbohydrate overload PPID - disrupts lamellar hoof metabolism EMS - hyperinsulinaemia Colic Colitis RFM Pleuropneumonia Supporting laminitis - unilateral weight bearing
Clinical signs of laminitis
Acute onset lameness grades 1-4 Most common on the two forefeet Increased digital pulses Reluctant to move Limbs extended forwards Reduced CAUDAL stride phase Worse on the turn Worse on hard ground Painful to hoof testers
How can you grade laminitis?
1 - weight shifting but sound at walk
2 - move willingly but a shortened stabbing gait, can lift foot
3 - move reluctantly and resists attempts to lift the foot
4 - horse will not move
Clinical signs of chronic laminitis
Flattening / convexity of the sole
Depression around the coronary band
Bruising
Submural abscessation
Poor prognostic factors on radiography
Rotation
Sinking
Ski jump appearance of P3 - modelling
Gas shadow
What is the founder distance?
Measurement from the top of the hoof wall to the extensor process of P3
- increased distance indicates sinking of P3
Normal - 2-8mm
Greater than 15mm poor
Angle of rotation of P3
Less than 5.5 degrees - good
6-11 degrees guarded
Greater than 11 degrees poor
Solar depth
Solar prolapse is a poor sign
How can you treat laminitis?
Remove cause - RFM, colic, pleuropneumonia Analgesia - NSAIDs - PBZ or flunixin - paracetamol - opioids - lidocaine / ketamine - gabapentin for neuropathic pain Digital support - sole support Cryotherapy Therapeutic foot trimming - ease break over
How can you she a horse with chronic laminitis?
Reverse shoes Heart bar shoes Imprint shoes Equine digital support system Perform hoof trimming under radiographic guidance Remove abnormal horn Pain relief after shoeing
Clinical presentation of chronic laminitis
Altered hoof growth Dishing of the dorsal hoof wall Seedy toe Dropped sole Foot abscess
