FAQ / Horse / Laminitis

Laminitis
"What is laminitis, and how should I feed a horse that has had it?"

What is laminitis?

Laminitis is a multifactorial disease, meaning that several factors contribute to its onset. The condition is defined by inflammation and tissue damage in the soft structures of the hoof. More specifically, there is a separation between the coffin bone and the inner lamellar layer of the hoof wall. This can cause the coffin bone to rotate forward, damaging the corium and surrounding blood vessels. Laminitis is extremely painful for the horse, with common symptoms including lameness, heat in the hooves, reluctance to walk, and shifting weight to relieve pressure on the hooves.

If laminitis is suspected, a veterinarian should always be contacted

How should I feed a horse that has had laminitis?

Feeding a laminitic horse can be challenging, but one of the most important things to consider is minimizing starch and sugar intake. It is a good idea to analyze the forage to ensure that the sugar content is not too high. Many commercial concentrate feeds contain high amounts of starch and sugar, which should be avoided.

If the horse needs additional energy or protein beyond forage, it is best to choose oil-based supplements or concentrated protein supplements rather than high-starch feeds. Horses prone to laminitis should also avoid pasture and fresh grass, as sugar levels can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and season.

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Read more about laminitis at Trikem Academy.