Types of Laminitis

Metabolic laminitis in horses is closely related to alterations in glucose and insulin metabolism. One of the main factors is insulin resistance, a common alteration in horses and ponies with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

When insulin resistance exists, the body needs to produce larger amounts of insulin to maintain adequate blood glucose levels. This metabolic alteration can significantly increase the risk of developing laminitis.

Horses with overweight, obesity, regional fat deposits, or a history of repeated laminitis episodes require special attention. Feed rich in sugars and starches can also contribute to the problem in susceptible animals.

For this reason, in a horse with recurrent laminitis it is important to investigate possible metabolic alterations and not limit treatment only to the hoof.

Mechanical laminitis in horses can occur when a limb bears excessive load for a prolonged period.

A classic example is a horse with a severe injury or intense lameness in one limb. To avoid loading the affected limb, the horse redistributes its weight toward the other limbs. This compensatory overload can cause alterations in the laminar tissue of the limb that is bearing the excess weight.

This type of laminitis is especially important in horses with severe injuries in one limb, since prevention and control of overload can be decisive.

In these cases, therapeutic shoeing and hoof management must be adapted to the individual situation of the horse, taking into account load distribution, hoof balance, and limb biomechanics.

Laminitis associated with septic processes can appear as a consequence of diseases that trigger an intense systemic inflammatory response.

Processes such as severe infections, endotoxemia, severe colitis, metritis, or other systemic diseases can activate an inflammatory cascade that affects the laminar tissues of the hoof.

In these cases, laminitis should not be considered only a hoof problem. The initial process may be located in another system of the body and subsequently trigger an alteration of the structures that hold the hoof wall and the third phalanx together.

Early identification and treatment of the primary disease are essential to try to limit laminar damage.