🐎 Laminitis in horses
Lameness, hot hooves and a typical stance; linked to overfeeding and obesity.
What is it?
Inflammation of the tissue that holds the bone inside the hoof. It can be very severe and cause lasting damage. Main causes include obesity, hormonal problems (EMS and PPID) and too much grain or lush grass.
Signs
- Lameness, usually in the front feet.
- Rocking back onto the heels to take weight off the toes.
- Hot hooves and a strong digital pulse.
How does it spread?
Not contagious.
Prevention
- Watch weight and body condition; avoid obesity.
- Measured grain, and care with lush spring grass.
- Regular farrier care, and hormone checks with your vet for older horses.
🚨 When to call the vet at once
An emergency: call your vet now, stop grain and keep the horse on soft ground.
📱 How Zajel helps
Log weights and farrier visits in Zajel; it reminds you of the farrier every 6 weeks.
This information is general. Diagnosis and doses always stay with your vet.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual · AAEP — American Association of Equine Practitioners